Get to know your students and see what motivates them, everyone motivates differenty. Ask them they love to tell you.
Hi Jennifer,
The three words that you listed are essential. Communicate, communicate, communicate. That is what rapport development is all about.
Gary
Express the possibilities of what can happen after a successful completion.
Some of the ways I can help my students become motivated and exicted about my course is to beging every sessions what ice breaker activities, conduct opinion polls, and communicate, communicate, communicate.
Everything we do ministers,
Jennifer Gaddy
Hi Tanya,
Good tie in between their professional preparation and their personal gain from their new knowledge. By knowing how nutrition impacts their lives they can see applications of this information in many different settings.
Gary
I tend to bring together information learned in previous courses to highlight how the information that they have learned already applies to their career of choice. Then during the lecture I toss questions to the students "case study" style to see how they've integrated the material. Frequently they suprise themselves when they get that immediate feedback of success when they answer questions correctly.
have them establish goals and find a creative
approach to present new material. Give positive
reinforcement when they reach a goal.
I like to tell students how the knowledge gained in my course will not only help them in their professional life but also in their personal life. I teach nutrition, so knowledge about nutrition can help the students improve their own personal eating habits and also their own health.
For me the most rewarding events related to motivating students has been three quarters of the way through a course, when a student has fallen behind and is ready to give up. I've provided flexibility and encouragement. I've confirmed that I believe they can do it. When I've been able to connect with the student in the sense that we are communicating back and forth (online environment) I can only think of one or two instances in several dozen where the student has not successfully completed the course. The trick of course is to get that dialog going.
Hi Michael,
This is a great way of helping students to see the relevancy of what they are studying. The current event articles creates a connection between the class content and the students themselves.
Gary
Hi Linda,
Good point about sharing experiences that you have had in the field. Students really connect with these stories and can see themselves in these very same situations. Good way to increase excitement.
Gary
Alan: I have never taught a hands on class such as what you must teach, but it has to give one a great feeling seeing that sucess.
Lisa: Never thought of it that way, a very good point. We are normal people who live normal lives and we are just trying to pass on the knowledge we have gained from our education and experiences.
To help my student get excited about my course I try to connect the course to the desired outcome, which is a job. I include 3 current event articles in each of my chat sessions that relate to the field I am teaching in.
Whenever possible, I would relate the course material to the real-world scenarios. My goal is to let my students know the knowledge and experience they gain from the classroom will be applicable to their future career.
Hi Alan, I agree with your approach. Letting students know you are there with them will certainly motivate them to do well. Ming-Ning
Celia,
Sharing personal experiences can be a great way to increase interest and motivation. Adult learners want to know that we are human. An 18 year-old may still think it's weird that teachers eat and shop but adult learners know we are normal people. By reinforcing that we are normal people who have found success, the students can hopefully find inspiration to be normal but successful like us.
Duane,
I agree with you. Adult learners need a unique type of motivation because they are so experienced. Reminding them that their educations is the first step to change - a goal that all of them will share - will help them stay focused. What techniques do you use to help you know what kind of changes each student is seeking?
Sometimes the best way to motivate the students is to give real life experiences that I have had, to get them interested in the topic. I have found that my everyday life in my carrer is not so mondane to the students that desire to enter the field. They enjoy hearing stories and sceanarios about different ideas and concepts within the textbook. This helps them to relate to the subject matter.
Hi Alexis,
All good ways to keep your students excited about the course and engaged in the learning process. I teach evenings as well so I understand the challenges you face. It is fun to me to find activities to keep the students awake and learning from 4 until 10 pm. Every evening is different that is for sure.
Gary
