Some strategies for increasing student motivation are to bring examples from your professional career into the lecture and start an open dialogue with your students and to approach your topics with genuine enthusiam to show you truly have mastered the information and enjoy utilizing the information you have gained in your professional life and activities.
Tracy,
I agree with you 100%. I find that if I guide my students thru the different techniques and procedures in a positive manner instead of in a stern non-conforming manner I have had much greater success with self confidence and positive outcomes. For example when a student performs a procedure partially correct I praise them on the correct portion and instruct in a manner that will allow the student to grasp the segment that was not correct in a positive way. I feel that a teacher/instructor is here to build student confidence.
Joyce,
I really enjoy hearing the reasons they are in the program they are and why they are taking this course. The more I learn about my students the more accurately I can target my instruction.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Debbie,
Students need to see relevancy and application to what they are studying. The more we can do this for our students the more motivated they will be to stay engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I absolutly agree with this. Students not only have different learning styles, which should be adjusted to. But they also have different goals for the course. It is interesting to hear what their goals may be and throughout the course continue to encourage them to achieve those goals.
I think students would be motivated if they can use their new knowledge by applying what they have learned.
Cristiane,
This is a good way to provide student support while developing the human relations aspect of their careers. The majority of our work is done with others so we need to learn how to work with others in a number of different settings. Providing peer support and tutoring enables everyone to benefit. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe that setting up duos of students who are doing better with students who are struggling may be a good way to increse both motivations: the student who is ahead by showing him/her that now it's time to teach the information-which will motivate most students to continue to do well and not settle for how they are doing now...and for the students who are struggling it may motivate them to see that another student can grasp the information thus it is possible with help for that student to get it too-versus only getting that help from the teacher who already is an expert on the subject.
Mariesol,
I use field trips a lot in my classes for the reason you state. They get to see professionals in the field for which they are preparing to enter. These observations really ramp up their motivation levels and get them excited about what they are studying.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If possible go on field trips for them to see successful professionals at work. Try and relate the lecture portions to the skill they will need to work
Christopher,
I agree and think this is a way for them to start thinking about their futures in realistic terms because this field is tough to break into and they need to realize that.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
David,
Good way to walk students through the ROI of the course. Each step reinforces how they can be successful and what success in the course means to their future.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The number one strategy for our students is ask about personal experience in the entertainment industry. If they don't have direct experience then drill down to discover their hopes and future goals for film/tv
First of all it is important to help the students appreciate the value of the learning experience. Then help them to have the confidence that they can succeed in the course. Ultimately they need to believe that they will get a return for all of the work they put into the course. In other words, is it worth it. Then they will see the possibilities of success with their training.
Morgan,
I agree. The more interaction the higher the retention of content because they see how it can be applied. This makes it real for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jocelyn,
Good way to help them finish their courses and get ready for the big transition to the work world. You are helping them to get ready and move toward their career goals. What a great time to have them in their educational journey.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think students tend to be motivated when the material is interactive. For example I teach sociology classes and when discussing collective behavior I may have them start class with a quick game of simon says then go into the lecture. It is fun for them, gets them up and alert and interests them as to where I am going with my topic.
I feel by the time my students come to me they are pretty tired of the regular every day tasks they've been doing previously in their schooling. They will soon be graduating and feeling ready to move on but scared about their future. Are there really opportunities for me? I make it my job to introduce them to various different areas and experiences and work with different people and disciplines. It gives them different professional viewpoints and gets them out their rut.It makes them have to think independently and hopefully critically
Linda,
Good strategy. It will keep your students engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I was planning on using the 5 minute method. Change the way that you teach every 5 minutes so that you keep them engaged and guessing what you are going to do next.
