Treating students with respect can help increase their motivation. Students are willing to work more if they see that they are treated fairly and as a person rather than a number.
One of the best strategies that I have for insreasing student motivation is to bring in outside speakers or take field trips. Speakers and field trips allow students to see the relevancy of the material covered in the class.
Hi Earle,
Small successes help to build to bigger successes. If students start to see and enjoy success they will stay engaged in the learning process and create a future for themselves.
Gary
Finding a way to show students that they can achieve even small successes. They might not get a perfect score but they can still learn and perform quite well.
I think it's important for students to understand how the course will meet career and professional development goals. The purpose of the course is not just to add three more credits but to bring the student closer to her goals. It is also important for students to understand that they will be able to successfully complete the course through hard work.
Hi Rainerio,
Three great points that all involve supporting student success. This is what motivation is all about and when the students know that they have support from instructors it goes a long way in keeping them in school and moving toward their career goals.
Gary
A. Give recognition for a job well done as well as provide encouragement if they fall short of expectations
B. Let them know specific skill sets they will acquire after every class that they can use in the workplace (thereby increasing their value)
C. As the model for the class, let them know that I once was in their place and it is possible to use the knowledge/techniques they learn in class to move up in the industry
I actually teach very little theory, as we focus on actually doing the things students will do when they're working. So this isn't really an issue for me.
Hi Ameneh,
In talking with your students about how theory will help them in the work place, what have you found to be the most effective ways to get your message across?
Gary
I discourse with my students how their understanding of the theory well reflect on their performance at their job. thus on the long run on their annual income
I notice with new students coming into the program that career goals seem farther away to them so it is more motivating with students who have been in the program for a while. I find that new students seem to be looking for a comfort level with the program and its requirements.
I try to find ways of connecting what I am teaching them with their own experience...a way to apply what they learn to their own life experience and possible benefit.
I've always liked this saying: "Students don't care how much you know unless they know how much you care." I think the best way to increase student motivation is for students to know I genuinely care about them and their success, and that I am there to help and support them in reaching their goals.
Gary,
Thank you! I believe we need to be very supportive of our students.I work with the Future Business Leaders of America chapter at our college. I find that being involved with the students outside of the classroom helps motivate them within the classroom. I try to find out what they are passionate about and build upon it. I also ask them what they know about a topic and what they would like to know about a topic.
Cathy
How true!!!
Very good example!!!
Hi Catherine,
You have a well defined approach to laying out the course and showing the students how they are going to benefit from your instruction. I really like how you support your students through being available and tutoring. I am sure this really helps the students to become engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Barbara,
I am often asked the same question. I tell students that writing properly is important no matter what profession you pursue. I give them examples of when I worked in corporate. I had to write letters to clients and present reports to them. I tell them clients judge you based on your writing. They believe if you are careless in your communications with them that you are going to be careless with their account. I tell them, “Your writing is not only a reflection of you, but of your company as well.” I also tell them many companies now ask people to submit a writing sample during an interview.
Cathy
I always start by telling my classes how what we are learning will benefit them in the workplace. Through sharing my corporate experiences, I let them see how they could utilize the material discussed. I tell them to take advantage of their resources. I give them my tutoring hours and the learning center hours. I let them know I am here to help them. I encourage them to show me their projects prior to submitting them. I tell them I want them to succeed.
I try to build the student's confidence. One way to do that is to tell them what they have done correctly, and what they have done well when I grade their papers. Its important for their success for them to believe that they can be successful. It might sound a bit too easy, but, in my opinion, self confidence breeds success.
Hi Stan,
Good point. Nothing breeds success like success. This concept is so simple but is forgotten many times in the process of getting the course started. Keep up the good work.
Gary
