I teach in a healthcare related field. Yes, these students will obtain knowledge to obtain a professional license. Yes, they will be able to earn a good living and provide for themselves and families. However, the first time a patient expresses appreciation for how you had a direct affect on improving there lives, PRICELESS.
Sherri,
Good way to help them overcome their fear about a new course. Getting them settled in and feeling comfortable is important. They then can start to focus on what it will take for them to be successful in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sherri,
Good point because they need to remember why they are there and who they are there for. Remembering both of these elements will help them to stay on task and move forward in their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ask students what they are afraid of? Have a real momemt with them.
I find that if they say "I'm afraid of failing this course" Then, I can say, "Don't be afraid of this course...you have what it takes." And, if you do fall behind, we will discuss what your obstacles are and see if we can get a plan together to manage them better.
Ask students why they came to school and remind them what motivated them in the first place. Sometimes the journey back helps them see the journey ahead with more clarity.
I teach beginning audio students and many of these people have not attended school in quite some time. When I explain that they are going to learn about professional cables and connecting professional gear the class seems very boring. When I explain that my class will help them gain professional technical skills that will allow them to work on creative aspects of projects they start to realize that this is going to be a class that will get them somewhere. When I tell the students that they will learn the technical skills by working on creative projects they see that my class will be fun.
Genea,
Good way to review the progress they have made during the week. They get to measure their progress through this method and this sets them up for the next week's content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When students enter my class and see the material , they feel a bit overwhelmed . each week on friday i like to reflect on everything they now know that they didnt know before. Most times they are very impressed with themselves and that becomes amazing motivation.
Lyndsie,
Good strategy. I bring in graduates that have gone on to success in the field and have them share their stories. These speakers really get the students excited and increase the value of the course content to the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
To help motivate students, I try reminding them of what their end goal is and having examples of successful people in the field as guest speakers.
Sonya,
I think this is a great way to refresh them on why they are enrolled and investing in themselves. They need to see that they are making progress toward their career goals and that this class is part of that effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Not only do I have goals for my class and students, I have my student write down short term goals they would like to achieve in the course. When they are struggling I may have them read them over to motivate them. I also have guest speakers come in and demonstrate new things in the industry to show them what is out there and all the possibilities there are for them. I feel like I need to be positive and a cheerleader for them as well as an instructor.
Deborah,
This is what helps to make the course real for students. They need to see a connection between the course content and their lives. Once they do their motivation and excitement about the course increases and the process of learning unfolds.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a medical assistant instructor, I increase my students' motivation by encouraging them to share a personal experience when the knowledge/skill introduced affected their lives and what they learned. As the students relate to their classmates story then I tie the pieces together with one of my stories in the field, the knowledge/skill becomes real.
Lorin,
Great list and I know these effort will get the students engaged and moving forward with their educational efforts.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Some strategies for motivation include: Getting the students involved in the material, giving real-life examples so students can relate to the material, creating a fun and comfortable learning environment, allowing the students to ask questions and discuss the material
I too am a new instructor and did not bring in guest speakers till the very end of my first class. I think I will shoot to bring one in the 2nd day this time. When you only have them 6 or 8 times its hard to get everything covered, keep the students motivated and still keep it exciting. Its son condensed I always feel like they are getting short sifted.
Thank you…. I will be using this advice !
Landis,
Pulling upon the life experiences and knowledge of students in relation to the current topics being studied is a great way to enhance engagement. You are letting them move themselves forward in terms of knowledge through their abilities and use of devices that they are comfortable in using. A win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Nastassia,
Having former students come into course greatly enhances the value of the course to students. They see the connection between the content and their career success. The more of these connections the better because they increase the excitement that students have about what they are studying.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
