I think that is a very good insight. It may be hard for them to see the relevance of a given course in their long-term career goals.
Hi Grace,
This is a very good resource to use with students. The more they hear from fellow students the more they start to see themselves in a successful situation. They begin to believe that they can be achieve their life goals if they put forth the effort.
Gary
My new students enjoy listening to their classmates' career goals and something about themselves. The more skilled students expose the younger ones to more focused and achievable goals. This information helps me validate how the course will further their success. I can refer to specific projects that relate to what they hope to learn.
I motivate my students by showing them that I truly am excited about what I teach and the career path they have chosen, which is the same career I chose.
Hi Rosemary,
This is so important because in the creative arts area of career development students have to have a certain level of self confidence if they are going to be successful. By letting them bring in their life experiences they are going to be able to blend their experiences and creativity.
Gary
I often impress on students that the projects that they are doing are for their own benefit not mine. I teach a design class and students need to develop their creativity from their own life experiences. I always show my enthusiasm for all aspects of the world around us to try to spark their imagination. Creativity cannot be taught it must be encouraged and guided.
I often impress on students that the projects that they are doing are for their own benefit not mine. I teach a design class and students need to develop their creativity from their own life experiences. I always show my enthusiasm for all aspects of the world around us to try to spark their imagination.
Gary,
I teach both introductory Accounting and Computer courses and allways try to relate to the students how the course will help them in their careers.
Dennis
Hi Alan,
Great plan for providing support to your students as needed. This way you can engage students that are not doing as well and need some encouragement as well as remediation.
Gary
Explain to the student, how important it is to become an expert in what they do. and how exciting and rewarding it is to be able to help others, which makes them very valuble. And also the benefits that come with their profession.
For me the more important aspect of this question is how ti increase student motivation in unmotivated students. Regular feedback with some detail of both good and bad usually is enough to keep a self-motivated student motivated. But students who are faltering need more. Again, my work is primarily in the online environment. I have found that identifying the students who are falling behind, and providing regular encouragement via email has been quite effective. This type of intervention seems to help the vast majority of students who are on a downward spiral but still have an engine running.
To increase student motivation, help the students understand
1. How the course relates to there reason for taking the course ( ie. career success)
2. That grading is fair and they will be successful as long as they do their part.
Hi Laurie,
I have taught the same classes and what I do is I assign points for the assignments even though it is pass/fail and at the end of the course, they know they made for example 200+ points out of 300, etc.
Then our grade program actually converts this to a percentage, so I tell them that and I announce in class the name of our "valedictorian" who achieved the highest percentage. The students loved it. My way of giving them a bit of recognition. Next semester, I am going to actually give out a little present for valedictorian, salutatorian, and my 3rd runner-up.
Hi Alexandria, I also teach English at a business/career college and find that the more I can relate our writing to their career goals, the more engaged the students become. For example, I tell them that a good cover letter and resume "persuades" a potential employer to hire them. And that we will utilize those same skills in writing persuasive essays. Next semester, I am teaching 20th cent. American Literature as Humanities...any suggestions on how I can relate course content to career goals anyone?
I like to set achieveable goals for my students. During their task, give positive reinforcement about thier effort, & keeping a positive attitude, especially through adversity.
Upon completion, praise & possibly a little constructive criticism on how they could have approached things differently.
Always using a "half full glass" perspective.
Hi Jerri,
This is why branding is so important. The students need to put forth the effort to separate themselves from the herd in terms of professional ability. As you say word travels fast be it good or bad so they need to listen to your advice about how they can establish a positive reputation and increase their employability.
Gary
in my breif tenure as an insrtuctor I have found that my passion for the career and my participation in the professional organizations associated with the career field are great motivating tools for my students. In module 1 there was discussion about being a good role model. I try very hard to show my passion for the field, to impress upon them the respect they will gain as a professional, and that this is a small city of about 1million people. The medical community is even smaller. their professional reputation will develop quickly, beginning with their clinical rotation as students. The job market is tight, we all know this and we discuss it. The best advantage you can have over another candidate is your passion for knowledge and a great work ethic.
I emphasize that all course activities and also the whole program is geared towards students passing their licensing exam. I also explain that while some rules or requirements might seem uimportant every thing they are asked to do has been shown to improve exam results and retention of information.
I also tell them about my own career and what a difference it has made in my life both intellectually and economically. I emphasize what an important decision they have made in entering the program.
I ask the class to share hwo they made their individual choice to enter the program and 2hat their personal goals are.
The fact that the course is part of the curriculum means that it is relevant to the students goals. These must be clearly outined.
For starters I would be visible throughout the class. I would respond immediately to student questions and concerns. I would create alternative avenues of communication for students such as an instant messenger so that students can feel that they can reach out to you any time.
Darlene Pomponio
