Motivation..... try lecturing and walking the class at the same time... keeps students very engage ...
Karl,
Knowing they are respected and valued are two important parts of helping students see how they fit into a course. Reinforcing them as needed increases the value they attach to the course and what is being covered.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Karen,
Such an important concept. Each class has something to offer and it is gaining the knowledge that comes with the insights or nuggets that build toward a specific knowledge base or skill set at the end of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it's important during the process of learning that a positive reinforcement of the students work take place. Find the good in the not so good says that progress is taking place. I guess in this day and age a fist bump can say alot more than words.
I suggest that students consider always approaching any situation with the goal of identifying something, any nugget or insight, that they can take away from the endeavor. Keep it positive!
Joseph,
This is a good strategy because it gives input to the students from another perspective, that being a professional in their field. In the work world their efforts are going to be evaluated so the sooner they can get input from someone from the field the sooner they start to see how much effort they are going to need to put into their projects and what the evaluation criteria is.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is not always doable for every kind of class but when I can I try to incorporate outside testers to come into the classroom to test and evaluate student work.
This is usually part of a final project and it requires students to put their work out there and get usability feedback from someone other than me (the instructor).
This kind of testing event that's built into the schedule has proven to be a good motivator. Since implementing this method I have seen a big improvement in quality of projects and overall participation.
I believe its because come the day of the event students know how bad it would look if their project isn't complete of only half thought through.
Kathleen,
This is an important part of the instructional process. The more connections you can make between the content and application the more value the students will associate with the course. This becomes their ROI and increases their motivation to learn the material. Good strategy, keep up the effort!
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My favorite way to motivate students is to show them how the material directly relates to their life and/or profession. As a PT we cover a lot of sciece subjects that can seem very dense. I like to break it down to "this is how you will use this information in the field". It is also nice to use real patient examples so the students get the feel for treating and helping a real patient.
I will remember this as I progress through the term with students. I have noticed students need that mental refreshment and reminder through the course. Thanks for the feedback!
Cleveland Sigh
Cleveland,
A career vision is so important in the educational journey for students. They need to refresh in their minds over and over what they will be able to do upon graduation. They tend to wear down during courses and forget or at least reduce their effort as the vision of their future drifts away as a result of real life. So bringing the vision back up on their radar really helps to get them engaged once again.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Discussing and creating a vision of what future the student can create for themselves upon successful completion of the course of study is one way to increase motivation. I think that creating a picture of what completion feels like also gives them a mental landmark to reach.
Letting them know that I am available and willing to assist them can also eliminate the feeling that they are alone in the learning process. I am demonstrating that I am willing to support them. They have what it takes and they can do it is the message that comes across.
Cleveland Sigh
I believe that Motivation starts with an instructor having passion and/or enthusiasm on his/her subject matter.
This I believe will relay to the students, and in turn help them become motivated for the course as well.
I see this working in my classrooms frequently.
Debi,
With your efforts you are helping your students to become a part of the class. As they get settled into the course they are seeing how you are going to conduct the class and how they can be successful in it. This builds their engagement level and helps them to be excited about the course to come.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One strategy for increasing student motivation on Day 1 is to ask students to take a moment to jot down an answer to the question, "Why am I here?" This allows them to reflect back on making
the decision to pursue school. It will remind them of why it was important for them to set aside time and other resources in order to improve their quality of life. Another strategy is to provide verbal affirmation for students (e.g., "That is a good question!") as they speak up on any class day. It will encourage them to continue their motivation to participate and take responsibility for their learning.
Katie,
Questioning as a teaching tool is very effective for the reasons you state. Students need to know how to internalize the content and then store it in their memory bank for application at a later date. The more opportunities they get to solidify the content in their minds the better they are going to be at recalling it when needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to ask questions about the information that I am going to lecture on. One, it gives me information about what my students know already. Two, it helps the students assimilate the information and knowledge they already have.
Todd,
Good way to keep your students engaged and focused on what you are teaching. I agree with the fun part of learning even if it is hard work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I stay as motivated as possible and some of my motivation seems to rub off on to my students.
I will often do things that are unexpected like a change in state, or demonstrate a task while standing on a table. Make it fun!
Charles,
What are some way you do this with your students?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
