Angela,
You are sharing very valuable information with your students. They need to know that graduation does not spell end of learning. You are right about it needing to be life long if one is going to continue to have success in his/her field.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Charles,
Good balance to your approach. You are showing both relevance and application while keeping the students engaged.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have found that if I show them that the subject matter excites me then it seems to get them excited as well.
I tell my students that the Cosmetology Indusrty changes with current trends quit often, and this indusry is constantly evolving to better serve clients. If the students' goal is to be the best Nail Tech or Cosmetologist, one must- commit yourself to a lifetime of learning. This means learning about the latest products, innovative treatments, new technologies, and indusry trends. After school is finished I recommend my students take seminars, go to trade shows, and also read current periodicals, or do research about the latest trends of the Best Salons and Spas in the world online.
During my instruction I show students how they will use their new found knowledge in the field and give examples the above mentioned skills and how they are used.I also give examples of skills used improperly and the consequences of such actions. I then develope labs for the students to use these skills reminding them of the importance of the proper and safe use of their newly developed skill set.
Eric,
I greatly appreciate your kind words. I want to come and take one of your classes because everything would be new to me, since I live and work on a cattle ranch and water is something that keeps our animals alive and comes out of the ground. Boating is not big here.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Thank you Dr. Meers. Although the classroom is extremely important, the majority of our students become very motivated when the technical application takes place. When we move from the classroom to the field (in our case the water) students motivation level immediately increases. The power to "do" or apply what has been taught is probably what motivates us most.
I look forward to using or applying what this course has to offer in the classroom.
Thanks again for your time and input,
Eric
Jorge,
I agree. You are giving them a standard to work toward.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have noticed that when students see your accomplishments in your field and see the goals spelled out and achieved, that they instinctively become motivated. It shows them proof that if they dedicate time to learn and expand on the daily teachings that they can attain self satisfaction in their careers.
Eric,
You have some very interesting courses to teach. Being located in a land locked western state I find them exciting to learn about so I know by bringing enthusiasm to the classroom you can get your students engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Motivation is delivered from you to your students through a genuine appreciation of what your course achieves. Your own motivation is the kindling which can set the classes desire to learn ablaze. Motivation and excited must first come from the instructor and the benefits your course offers.
I instruct oil field employees on fast rescue, oil spill clean-up and sea survival.
Eric Fry
Dr. Fabian,
Do you have any examples of these efforts that you can share with us? We are always looking for new ideas and strategies that can be used. Thanks.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I find motivating anyone is a combination of shared values as well as showing the way to the next level of knowledge and accomplishment.
Look for was to actively engage them in the lesson through self-directed lessons, differentiated instruction, and the like.
David,
Right you are. The human factor is a critical part of teaching.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
by making the subject taught relevant, transforming it from just a theorical class into something they can actually apply while in the industry. By giving them examples from previous experiences were you got to apply what you learned during that class/course. by showing your personal interest in the subject and making sure they see that you continue to educate yourself by doing research.
It first starts with the attitude of the instructor. The instructor needs to have a genuine positive attitude toward what he is teaching. Because 90% of our success with other people stems from our own attitudes and moreover every instructor should be looking for the good in each and every student.
John,
I like the way you have laid out how to be a professional educator while inspiring and motivating students. This is what instructors should be as share with students both content and professionalism.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
To tell them all the benefits of the subject that they are attempting to learn.
The best way is to display your personal enthusiasm and motivation to the students. An occassional anectodal story pertinent to a topic can spark interest in the learner as long as the "war stories" don't distract from the class. Don't just talk the talk, but walk the walk as well. Students might listen to your inside the classroom, but if they see your professionalism and enthusiasm spillover into extra-classroom environments it can initiate an enthusiasm unique unto itself.
