Mamadou,
Concrete examples bring value to the course content and help students to see the application of what you are teaching. Your use of yourself as an example of success shows them that they to can be successful if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students will related to concrete examples of learning succes. One of the thing I share with my students on the first day, during introduction is a little bit of my background and my own academic succes.
I explain to them,that, some the obstables I had to overcome. The odds of me standing in front of them at this moment were not very good.
Sara,
Students really like to be complimented when they do a good job. The more opportunities we can provide them to receive praise the better because it helps them to understand when you have to talk to them about areas of needed improvement.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Doctor,
Showing a student who is acieving a goal and making an example of them will help increase motivation. I have found that praise goes a long way.
Dean,
I bring in graduates frequently in my courses as well. They really increase the engagement of my current students while increasing their motivation levels. They tell it like it is and that is extremely valuable.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I know that bringing in graduates that have landed a job in the field that we teach is very inspring to those now going through the program.
Dean
Sharon,
You have listed some great ways to get students connected to the content and see the reasons for why they are in the course. The more they can personalize a course the better. It truly is WIIFM in each case. When they see that then they will see the ROI in terms of their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe that once a student understands the value of a course, the “WIIFM†for them, that opens the door. Motivation will occur when the student can genuinely identify and connect on a personal level with how the value of the class translates into the skills and ability within themselves that is essential for the career they are pursuing. For a student to be able to have that connection, they need to be able to visualize their own success. These things come from clearly defining objectives and outcomes as their personal road map for success. Sharing real world stories, having guest speakers from the industry or past students can help the student to see the value in the class, and feel they can be successful in the class and down the road, in their career.
Frank,
Good ways to get your students engaged and sharing in the course. The result will be increased motivation as well as excitement about what they are learning and how they are moving closer to their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Krista,
Like your list. It really zeros in on the needs of the students and gives a human perspective to how you are there to help them be successful if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Roark,
These are really valuable for course improvement. I do them throughout the course so I can make adjustments as needed and keep my course on target.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Motivation can be increased by informing the student of our own successes on the jab and as an instructor. Students like to know that there in good hands.
Another way is to be very well defined in my expectations or as some say, "lay down the law." This greatly helps the student develop respect to the direction of the learning and course as well as the instructor.
Yet another way is to allow the student to share some of the things that excite themselves about their choice of degree.
I apply several tactics to motivate students:
1. I let them know I care about them as people.
2. I learn what their previous experiences with the subject were like and concerns they have regarding the course. I teach math so many people come into class with math anxiety.
3. I always try to relate the material to the actual subject they are learning.
4. I display passion for the subject and for their learning.
5. I incorporate many different learning styles into my lessons so that that I reach as many students as possible.
6. I also tell students that they can choose the way the best works for them as long as they learn the lesson.
period Surveys which attempt to assess the students perceived value of the material presented...
Sharon,
The more connection you can make between the classroom and the work world the better. By doing so you are increasing the ROI of the course for the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Reza,
What are some strategies you use to help them see how the course will help them reach their goals?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Relate the subject matter to its current use in the industry,so students understand this is material that will aid them in their career. Acknowledge their successes and learning achievements, whether it's getting a perfect score on a test, or mastering new software. Everyone likes to be told they're doing a great job.
by telling the student how course can help them to rich to their goal
Robert,
All great examples of how to set the stage for learning success. With these different approaches you are capturing the attention of students from a number of diverse perspectives and that is what will keep them engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One of the best strategies for increasing student motivation is for the instructor to discuss the highlights of their career and to share their successes with the class. This gives students an idea of what they may accomplish by completing the course successfully and their degree. Showing students work from previous classes shows them what they'll be doing and helps them to get excited and motivated to create similar work themselves. The instructor showing their passion for the industry and the course will also help to motivate students. A positive attitude and excitement about the course works to motivate students at any level of their education.
