Motivating
When using the 3 M model I have had positive results towards the latter part of a course by utilizing field trips to worksites. The students go through periods where everything like the daily grind of school and working can start to wear them down. I have found that a field trip to a physical therapy clinic perks them back up and lets them see the light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. I make sure they realize how soon it will be before they will be working in that setting, first in clinical hours then as a career. It is good to see the eyes of the students light up as they start to see the work they have been putting in is about to pay off.
Jeff,
I agree this is an eye opener for the student. It gives them a glimpse of what they are working toward.
Kanidrus
Judy,
This is no uncommon but to change the situation you will need to change the grading structure. Pass fail is such a broad range that even the most dedicated students have problems figuring how much effort they should put into their assignments. The grading system needs to be tied into their total program and thus dictates they put their best effort into the final module before graduation. It should be set up to be a defining effort rather than just something that has to be done to graduate.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am a nursing instructor in the Clinical setting. When I have fourth module students,( last mod before graduation) they get very complacent and do not even hand in assignments because it is a pass or fail situation. This is very frustrating, and I do not know how to handle it?
Nelida,
Yes, students do become energized when they hear how the content they are studying is relevant and has application to their career success. The stories reinforce the value of the content and expands their knowledge of how it can be used.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I realize as an instructor that motivation begins at the start of the class. It can start with an energized "Good Morning" from the instructor and then continue throughout the entire class. I also give life experiences throughout my class to engage my students and keep them interested. Students become motivated once they hear a "real life" story from the instuctor.
Jeffrey,
They do need refreshing at times during the course and field trips are great ways to get them ramped up once again just as you mention. Also, field trips helps students to visualize what they are learning and how they are progressing in their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
