I try to keep my students engaged. I teach evenings so most of our students are arriving after full time jobs. I try to keep my lectures human with stories of places I've been and things I've done. I act professionally as a model, listen to our diverse student population and switch it up as much as possible.
1. Set reasonable objective.
2. Provide encouragement to students on a daily. 3. Remain positive
4. Provide opportunities for those students who may be slow learners.
5. Show excitement while teaching course material.
6. Ask students engaging questions.
Our students range from high school graduates to people in their fifties. And their abilities are just as vast.
So when I get someone who has very little to no experience and they can't even hold a wrench correctly let alone use one and I can tell they feel awkward and know they look awkward, I'll use scenarios, sometimes funny ones and show them the correct way to hold or use a specific tool.
Not like I'm making fun of them, it's more like letting them know I'm with them. I can feel the relief flow out of their bodies and see the smiles because they're so happy to be learning the proper procedure.
It just makes me feel good helping someone out who wants to learn and better themselves.
Hi Clare,
This is a great way of creating a connection between the classroom and the work world. Having taught CAD I agree with you about how much fun it is to do plus exciting. By having your students interact with the Board Members you are helping your students to create a career network that will serve them well over the years. This makes their efforts "real" in terms of their future opportunities by knowing and working with these individuals.
Gary
I believe offering real world examples and showing how the topics may assist in their job really gets the students motivated.
Jason
Creating engineer related drawings through CAD is such a growing and exciting business, as demonstrated through our Board Members having contact with out students. We have a wonderful relationship with our Board and their excitment adds to the students desire to do well in their studies. Our department also belongs to AIA and we receive a number of publications that again deminstrate the opportunties within the field.
Even though my years of training and professional experience provide a solid role model for aspiring students, they need to understand that school is about training for them to become the best they can be in their field. An education is a step towards that journey, and can lead them to places they could never imagine. I work on providing examples that will guide them on their paths, and create excitement and motivation in their studies.
I was very much drawn to this discussion topic. I find using my own personal eductaional and vocational experiences seem to motivate students. I also try to make a point to always reward success by students as far as making an effort to recognize good work in front of all students.
Hi John,
Well said. A great way to get the course off to a good start and to get everyone settled into the course. This is how respect development is started and will grow from there.
Gary
Adult students need to understand the relevance of material taught to their professional future - incorporating examples, real-world applications and how they can apply information all help motivate adult learners
Yes, James, I have always noticed a "perk up" from the students when I relate personal or professional experiences which are relevant to the course or which illustrate the impact that acquiring a college degree had on my life.
John Ragan
Students can be more motivated and excited if you are personable yet professional in how you start off the course with them, and if you are clear in your explanation of course objectives. In addition, it helps to convey personal experiences which are relevant to the student, and which give them inspiration to continue working toward their goal of a college degree.
John Ragan
"What are some ways you can help your students to become motivated and excited about your course?"
I show them techniques they can use to accomplish tasks. When the light bulb goes on w the students, they become all enthusiastic. Suddenly, some confusing area has settled down and they know how to navigate through it, and they no longer feel blocked or stymied. And their goals/aims in life seem that much more obtainable, as a result.
It gives me a great sense of satisfaction knowing that I made a difference in some students life, and improved their chances for success.
Show them how it will relate to their persinal ives or family lives and how that will correlateinot thier profession.
Hi Dr. Miller,
This is so important in teaching. Do all you can to help students to see how they can be successful if they will put forth the effort. Once they get it in their minds that they can be successful and achieve their life goals then motivation really kicks in.
Gary
Can you elaborate on that, Dr Miller?
Lisa: Sometimes when teaching I try to inform students where I have come from and where I am now, but I think you have to be careful with the information based on the age level of the student body.
I think is enthusasiam is a key when presenting material to a class. If one can not be excited about the subject that he or she is teaching how can any body expect the students to be excited about the subject matter.
Convince the student that he or she is a "10", and that he or she can accomplish anything that he or she want to accomplish. One has to get the student to raise his or her own bar. Make an effort for the student to have small sucesses in the subject being presented.
i enjoy encouraging students to their best
