I motivate my students by a few ways - showing them appropriate videos, explaining how a topic of discussion is used on the Job, and re-enforcing why the particular topic is necessary to be retained for their future jobs.
in this formate instructors must remember that each students has something 2 bring 2 the class, no matter how big or small when talking about information.
Anthony,
You have a very balanced approach to your instruction. You are engaging your students in a number of different ways that enable them to focus on the content and skills of the field. This is what teaching is about.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
First of all, you yourself need to be motivated. I have found that if I can relate the course information to recent events, it adds to the relevancy of the course, and therefore the desire for the students to better interact and provide feedback.
I also like to use guided discussion to facilitate student interaction. At the same time you have to keep the lesson on track, while not letting any one individual hijack the discussion. It's a great way to verify student comprehension by asking leading questions.
William,
Right you are about the sharing of real life examples. This way the students can see how the effort you and they are putting into their career preparation is worth it. Learning about how a graduate was hired because he/she had a great portfolio makes it real for them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I teach a class called Career Management, this class is preparing them to succeed after graduation. While teaching about resumes, interviewing skills, etc. I give them real life examples of what we are teaching that WORK. When I talk about preparing for an interview, and bringing their portfolio, I can reference a prior graduate that was hired because their portfolio was perfect, they answered their interview questions just like we practiced in class. Real life examples that lead to success, can really motivate someone.
Dolores,
Good balanced approach to the learning environment. Your students are being given a number of different opportunities to acquire the content and this keeps them engaged.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
As was mentioned in the course, just being excited about the course material goes a long way towards motivating students. Energetically they pick up on your enjoyment and excitement and start to share with others. When others are excited about what they are sharing, that enhances their excitement and enjoyment of learning.
I also do my best to incorporate Brain Gym exercises or Energy Medicine so that our minds our taking in the information with both sides of the brain and we are more focused.
Richard,
I hear you. Keep sharing your knowledge in what ever setting you can.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have passed my knowledge along in bars for years. Now I not only get to teach but,I get paid to do it. What a country!
Richard,
Keep up the good work, Mr. Bunny. I like being around instructors like you because you are excited about your field and having the opportunity to share your knowledge and skills with others. Even the students that don't value all that you are sharing have to admit that you have passion for your subject and that you are a role model for them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
You can't expect something from your students that don't reflect. The instructor is the one that needs to be excited, motivated, and enthusiastic about his subject matter. I have worked nearly 40 years in my field (electrician) and have aquired a great deal of knowledge which I love to share. My students don't always want or think they need everything I try to give them. But I give it to them anyway. I'm like the energizer bunny I won't quit.
Adrienne,
So true. The more you can make a connection between the content and application the greater the engagement is going to be by the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
To understand the reasons the student is trying to learn the content, therfore customizing the lecture becomes much easier.
I teach a computer class, Photoshop. I encourage the students to use the program for their presentations in some of their other classes while they are taking my class. This gives them more time using the software, which is very important when learning a new program, and also reinforces the relevance of the class. It also promotes the class to students who have not yet taken the class, making them more excited about taking it. It is always great starting a class with an eager student body! The excitement becomes viral, and students attend class more regularly.
I have found that one of the biggest motivators is relating course material directly to and applying it to the field. I have heard the statement "I don't understand why we have to learn this for our profession." Addressing that question first and foremost, before the inquiry ever has time to come about, is huge motivation for career focused students.
Chip,
Students love stories like this and you are helping to make the content real for them. Good method to use.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
One way I can get students motivated is by sharing unknown facts about the course! Perhaps a unique/compelling story of how this course applies to the profession. For example, telling students they are in a fight against obesity, and sharing the staggering obesity statistics in our country and state! Then I might share a succes story of how a client changed their life by losing weight, and have that client come in as a guest speaker.
Chip
James,
Right you are about ways to motivate students about course content. The more we can show them application and relevancy the more value they attach to the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Perhaps a good way to help students become motivated and excited about the course is to relate how the content is used in everyday work-life. If the course is a required course slightly outside of their area of interest (an accounting student taking a marketing course), we can relate how an operational understanding of the decipline would be beneficial. Additionally, how the student can market themselves and their ideas to the accounting community using tools and skills learned.
