A positive motivator is taking an interest in your students and them achieving their goals.
Daniel,
Your last sentence really captures the essence of why we do what we do. We need to help our students to see the value of what we are teaching and how it will impact their future.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This really depends on the level of maturity for the audience. For me, in the adult education realm (military) these senior leaders want to be able to manage systems well, but what they REALLY like to do is lead men and women. So often, the best way to motivate is to relate how this will allow or help them be more effective leaders. So essentially we are motivating them by showing them how they can use the material.
Cindy,
Good strategy to follow because this will you are increasing the value of the course content for the students. In addition you are helping them to see that they have chosen the right career area for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I intermittently point out positive aspects of their chosen profession to help students visualize themselves as an actual working professional, to reassure them that they are on a worthwhile and rewarding path, and to inspire and motivate them to continue working hard toward success and completion of their education.
keeping a positive attitude, making sure you always offer positive feedback, and continue encouragement to make them feel you value their efforts to do a great job (e.g.mastering their skills or knowledge) - needed to succeed once they complete their education, and career choice.
working with those that you might feel they need the extra mile from you.
Gloria
Break-down Math concepts into small easily understood bits of information and explain how different ones of them, as we need them, fit together to make the rules we use in Math. As well as applying as many concepts or operations to real-life as possible.--taking inventory---combining like terms; our bank account--adding and subtracting signed numbers
Some strategies for increasing student motivation are relaying some of your own experiences to the students and reasons why you chose this field/career. Students love stories and this will get them to thinking about their experiences and participating in the class. Also, field trips to places where they may be able to work some day is a really good motivator. Lastly, guest lecturers are generally enthusiastic and love to talk about their career.
I begin with the "End in Mind" and show them how it will be accomplished. I also let them know how the projects and assignments are link to the industry.
Wendy,
The more connections you can make between the course content and the work world the better. This increases the value of the course content to the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Go over real life scenarios that might apply to their everyday lives and to let them know that you are a facilitator and not a dictator
Amber,
You are doing a great service for your students by helping to reduce their fears about their success in the class. By seeing and hearing the expectations of the class they can start to see that they in fact can be successful if they are willing to put forth the needed effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I sometimes find that in the introductions, the students will mention things that are of interest to them or reasons why they are taking this specific course. I often try to bring in aspects and realted topics that I feel will be of interest to the students. In most cases, if the students are interested in the material and as excited in the class as I am, the classroom experience is more beneficial for everyone.
I've noticed that my students tend to come into my class on the first day with a low sense of motivation because my course is known as "the hard class." They've heard from other students that the class is difficult. It helps immensely to go through the course outline, highlighting the more interactive and professional-development type aspects of the class, to help calm their fears and get them to realize that it won't be all that bad.
Lauren,
It is fun when you can help them to see themselves in their career and focus them on their future.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I enjoy doing this as well! It usually gets the students excited about their future and sparks further discussion of their career goals.
Erin,
Knowing this really helps you to zero in and provide support to and for that student. Also, it helps you to shape their desired outcomes so they are consistent with the course goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Determine student's individual desired outcomes of the course and customize a plan to motivate them in the direction they would like to go.
Stephanie,
This is so important for instructors understand as they bring their passion and enthusiasm to the class sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is a really good point. It also speaks to modeling for students. It shows your professionalism that no matter your personal issues, you show up for work with a good attitude. Students feed off that. They boost my mood too
