Making them feel comfortable in class no stress induced talk make sure they have all the info about the class and your expectations spelled out so there are no gray areas
Rekha,
Performance by students is so impacting on their future. By you tying their grades to their course success and future career success you are showing them the value of effort. By letting them know that their performance in your course can impact their employment as well as earnings you are making it real for them. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Making sure to always look for student success to point out to let them know they are doing a great job and are on track. Reassruance goes a long way and can be very motivating to be acknowledged.
Kathy
As instructors, we could give the students more insight into how their grades could help them in the future. We could inform them that a low GPA could affect their retention for the course. We could motivate them by explaining success stories of previous students, who put in hard work.
Lee,
These two have worked for me as well. I have had great success with both. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The two best ones that I have found are real world success stories (such as from guest speakers working in that field) and competition with other students' works.
Ethel,
You have a great combination going for yourself in that you are both a teacher and a student. You can blend what you are learning with what you are teaching and actively engage your students in a variety of different ways.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Sometimes I use an area of weekness I've experienced at one point; to motivate them to continue on in their studies. I've been a student and currently just went on break, so being on both sides of this industry I feel as though I can relate. After being able to show understanding the student seems to work harder every day.Their are so many different types of learners in a room at a time. Each one has to be motivated in many different ways.
Ketly,
Guest speakers are such a valuable resource for both information and motivation. They really get the students ramped up about completing their studies and getting out into the field.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Strategies to increse student motivation is the ultimate goal of every Instrutor to get them engaged. In the lab particularly I pair a fast learner to a slow. This strategy sometimes worked .I also invite different guest speaker in their field to explain they can create opportunity for themselves.
Sometimes, the simple things really are the best. I have found that if I can learn students names, and then call them by name, they respond much more positively to the class. This takes some effort on my part, but I do feel that the results are worth it. When I speak directly to a particular student, and I address them by their name, they are much more willing to respond to me. Even students who tend to normally be rather shy, will respond when addressed personally.
Yes, I agree that team work makes training easier,and gives the students more avenues to reach their goals with succes.
During a course, each time a student does something right give them some positive reiforcement. I believe giving the student time lines to accomplish their course objectives and moreover encourage Team Work throughout the course.
Rheashaun,
Always great to hear from instructors that love their work. I am excited that you are excited about teaching even after being in the field for a number of years.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have been in my field over 16 years and I love the field I am in. As an instructor, I try to tell my students stories, or give them as much background about the field they are learning as possible. The students see how excited I am for them, they get excited and motivated as well.
Dianne,
I use learning groups for the reasons you cite. They are an effective way to get students involved and participating in the class discussions.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I completely agree about the peer pressure being a better motivator. I've seen it time and time again among my students. Working as a team is also a great lesson to help prepare them for when they are out in the workforce.
Kimberlee,
All good touchpoints for keeping a pulse on the class dynamics. This way you can continue to "read" the class and make any adjustments that are needed.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Mr. Rainforth -
Thanks for sharing this. I plan to try it in May when we have new cohorts starting.
I review examinations with the students and give them an idea of the test score range so everyone has an idea of where they stand in comparison with the class. The person that scores the highest usually gets a pen as a reward for their achievment. Those that do not score well have an opportunity to discuss any problems that may be occurring with their studies. I also use this as as an opportunity for 360 degree feedback in which I will have insight as to how well I am conveying the information.
Mid-term counseling sessions are also performed so that I may have a one-on-one with the student in order to discuss their progress.
