Nancy,
I do to. I get great information that helps me to finalize my instructional approach based upon the outcomes of my pretest.
Gary
I have also started to use a needs assesment. This keeps me from reteaching areas that the students are already familiar with.
Exactly. This makes the information on the printed page or video screen into something "real" that the student can understand and make them realize that that the stuff we're covering actually has a practical application.
Jennifer,
I teach in the evenings as well. I start at 4 and finish at 10 pm. You are right about the need for variety and activities in order to keep the students engaged. I really enjoy my nigh students because they are focused on being successful upon the conclusion of their educational efforts.
Gary
Since I teach in the evening and most of my students are adults and work during the day it is difficult to keep them motivated. I try to use my own personal experience in my field and incorporate them in to my lectures to keep my students interested in my course material. It can be difficult. Having gone to college myself at night and working full-time during the day I know the importance of keeping the subject matter interesting or your students will fall asleep.
Are there other ways to motivate them and get them to participate in the course lecture and activities?
Kimberly,
That is what personalizing education is all about. You are targeting your input based upon what the students need in terms of support. This will keep them engaged for longer periods of time.
Gary
The first thing I do is to try to get to know the students and establish a relationship. Students will let me know what their motivations are: For most though, it is to get through the class successfully. Some need praise, some need good grades, others an activity accomplished...it takes more time to plan, but it is worth it.
This is a great idea. Sometimes getting students to motivate themselves does far more than the instructor trying to motivate them!
I offer incentive. Whether it be an extra couple of points on a test, a sticker saying great job, or a piece of candy. People like praise. When they get it, they strive to do better.
Hi Elizabeth,
Good advice for instructors. Thank you for sharing these strategies for keeping students informed and involved in the learning process. Feedback really helps them to see their status and what they need to focus on improving if their are going to be successful in the course.
Gary
By: Elizabeth Price
Teachers have a lot to do with their students' motivational level. A student may arrive in class with a certain degree of motivation. But the teacher's behavior and teaching style, the structure of the course, the nature of the assignments and informal interactions with students all have a large effect on student motivation.
As a teacher give frequent, early, positive feedback that supports students' beliefs that they can do well. Ensure opportunities for students' success by assigning tasks that are neither too easy nor too difficult. Help students find personal meaning and value in the material. Create an atmosphere that is open and positive. Help students feel that they are valued members of a learning community.
Sharon, great answer. I remember having a business background, and going to Med school, and having all the med students around me complain about why they had to take a business course. It was amazing for them to see just how important a course is in the real world, when you are not just doint medicine, but actually running a business.
Great first ice breaker question. This also leads to more feedback for you about your students!
I also like this idea, I live in a community that is predominantly one ethnic background, and all the kids do is study from morning to night, and have absolutely NO SOCIAL SKILLS. Group projects help to bring people out of their shells. In the real world, you need to deal with other individuals, at all levels.
Hi Eric,
You make a very good point about how to influence the minds of the students so they will see relevance in what they are studying. If the connection can be made between content and application you are going to be successful as an instructor.
Gary
I have learned that students come into my class without realizing the relevance of the class to their field. Thus, they come into class with a poor attitude. So, I have tried to confront this head on in the first class by explaining that students in the past have not taken the class seriously because they failed to see the relevance. Then, I spend some time explaining to them the relevance and will support my explanation with some video clips from persons in the industry explaining the importance of the topic. I also ensure the students that I had to endure the same class many years ago to be successful in my career.
I have not done this on the first day. But, I have found it helpful after the first assignment. I ask the students to answer this question on an index card: Having completed the assignment, what topic do you feel you need more instruction on? This lets me gauge how the class as a whole is learning the material. I have also used Survey Monkey for the same purpose.
I relate what they are learning by illustrating on it will help them to go on to the next level of necessary skills to continue and by having past graduates come to class to show them how knowledge of the subject helped them to obtain a job.
In the vocational school where I work, this is a valuable asset to be able to relate my life experiences to the students. This encourages them in their career choice I hope.
Hi Yessenia,
Good points about how there need to be cooperative learning opportunities for students. Students need to learn how to work with others because they are going to need this skill when they are out in the work world.
Gary
