Motivation and the Holidays
I had a hard time recently with keeping my students motivated during the Holiday Season. This module is inherently interesting, Small Animal Surgery for Veterinary Technicians, but they really seemed like they didn't care about the material.I tried to remind them that when they graduate this was something they would be performing on a daily basis, and that it could mean life or death for their patients. However I could tell by their test and quiz scores that they didn't really study over the break.
Any tips?
Nora,
Good question but a tough one to answer as this is not uncommon for students to drift away during holidays. It is during times like this instructors like to introduce short and specific assignments for students to complete. If at all possible introduce a procedure or concept and then have the students apply it through practice. Break the content down into segments rather than just continuing on with the class as it is throughout the holiday time. Bring in some activities such as games or use a gift exchange where the you wrap up equipment/tools/etc. and have the students select a gift to unwrap and then explain how the gift is used in surgery or with patients. This way you are keeping the class moving forward when they are wanting to shut down but you are doing it using the theme of gift exchange.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
