Thats a good point. I like it. this way it gives the students some accountability. They willbe more likely to help each other.
Billie,
It really is. These two fields help the students to have a foundation from which to operate as they enter the medical field.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I teach Psychology and Sociology to students entering the medical field. It is so important to show students how each lesson can relate to real world career and job situations and patients.
Rheashaun,
This is so important because this way the students realize that you are a former student yourself, even though many students don't believe this. They think their instructors just pop out of thin air and start teaching. Knowing you have sit in the chair of a student helps them realize that you understand them and their situations. Good way to create rapport with them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
One way I motivate my students is by giving a personal experience since I've already been through what they are going through now. Letting them know it's okay to be nervous about the changes that are about to happen in their lives with their new careers. I remind them they are just starting, and not to get discouraged. Everyone has to start at the bottom at some point and build on their foundation.
One sure way to motivate my students is by truly looking as well as being excited about being in the classroom. I assure them that my being there is "all about them". If not for them, I have no need to be there. I convey the message about how their futures and careers are about being successful based on the fact that they are happy to get up in the morning! If they see me excited about teaching the course material and excited about sharing with them my knowledge and experiences, then they too feel good about being there in the classroom.
Richard,
You are offering a balanced approach to your instruction and I commend you for doing so. You are showing them how to support their learning through the keeping a personal planner, note taking, etc.. These are tools that will enable them to be successful in the course if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Rabih,
Good point and one that students need to be reminded of repeatedly. There is a reason for their being in school and that is to advance their career opportunities. The more they realize that the greater their motivation will be.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I teach legal courses in a paralegal program. Often students think that they will use these course skills only after they graduate.
However, embedded in the technical/hard knowledge of the courses are the soft learning skills. For example, we discuss legal deadlines, statutes of limitations, rules for timeliness, etc. And then I ask how many students have ever lost points because of a late assignment, or maybe they have forgotten about a quiz/test or an extra credit opportunity.
My question to them is then "why should a law firm hire you, and trust you to meet their deadlines, when you don't meet personal deadlines?"
This leads into a discussion about how to create a personal planner/organizer, which can then lead into a discussion about how to set incremental "deadlines" when working on a large project, such as a paper. It also can lead to discussions about time management, etc.
By helping students to achieve immediate improvements, I think that they will be more prepared for interviews, etc.
Also, I always am searching for relevant news articles, etc. to use as a "current" example.
By talking about the success you will achieve with learning the material at hand.
Michele,
I agree with you about the challenge of finding this balance. I think this is true for most of us educators. By bringing in numerous application opportunities you will be able to engage the students more and will have greater success with them acquiring the foundational knowledge since they will need it to do the applications. Strive to help them see the connection between knowledge and application and you will be helping them to move toward career success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Craig,
I agree. When there are clear and concise expectations outlined along with realistic assignments there is going to be am atmosphere of growth and learning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I believe the very first day is important. I need to relate the material to their life/ work, and have them believe that what they are engaging in will make their life/ work better. I feel like the biggest struggle I have is balancing the rote knowledge they need from the course and the hands on application that will make the material real, something they can internalize. So I guess the way I would make it more exciting and motivating is to have more practical applications. There is never enough time and always more demands for testing to " check for understanding".
I think students are motivated when the goals for the class seem achievable. When a clear timeline is presented at the beginning of class, and examples of past work is shared.
Elaine,
Yes, respect is two way and it must be earned in both directions. When mutual respect is earned then the foundation has been set for the development of rapport and this leads to more engagement on the part of students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Paul,
Examples like this help to reinforce the content of courses. The more samples and examples that are brought in the more connection students make to what they are learning. Good strategy to follow. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Motivating students in a general education course in a technical college builds on respect. I find that acknowledging the information they already bring to the classroom can be a motivating factor in itself. Respect is a two way street: as instructor respects them for what they know, students, in turn, will be open the idea of respecting the instructor. At that point, students will be more receptive to the motivating tactics employed by the instructor.
I find that if i bring in interesting hands on type of materials my students are more interested, for instance in my blue print reading cource I brought in a working print of a big project out of Denver. This was a high rise building of 60 storys. Just the fact that this was part of the sky line of buildings that could be seen from every part of the city was high point of the class.
Tawnya,
Spoken like a true learning leader. You are managing the setting in a way that enables your students to self discover, make applications and see relevancy. This is what teaching is all about.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Because we alternate lecture and lab days I feel that it offers me great opportunities to link together what we discuss in lecture in a more ‘real world’ setting. When I can encourage and observe my students putting the pieces of the puzzle together by asking them leading questions and offering critical thinking scenarios then they develop their own sense of motivation as they come up with the correct answers. They often begin feeding off each other’s observations and points. They seem to become more self motivated or driven, if you will, to develop a strong understanding for the purpose behind what they are doing as opposed to just going through the motions.
I also find that when they reach that point they become better leaders themselves for the newer students in the classroom. They begin finding what drives them, seeking out the answers as well as which different aspects are of particular interest to each of them. I often feel like I can guide the direction of task and outcome but allow them to find their momentum and run with it.
