Understanding student motivation
Adult learners generally have significantly different motives from traditional students. They are typically much more career focused and want to learn practical, application-based skills instead of theory and general information. They also do not suffer fools gladly--their instructor needs to know what they are doing or they can expect to hear about it. Finally, adult learners want to know how to apply what they have learned to the real world. It is particularly helpful to have instructors who have actual real-world experience and degrees in professional fields. Educators who have not worked outside the classroom often have difficulty reaching adult learners who expect real-world application.
I believe this also that an instructors ability to build confidence and keep them motivateded really helps
Hi Bessie,
Good point. What are the most effective ways of sharing with your students that you do in deed have the knowledge to be their instructor? Do you examples, stories, activities, etc.?
Gary
Students are more motivated when they know the the Instructor have knowledge of what they are teaching and if they sometime share their success stories with them, of how they made it and yes you can make it too.
Hi Diana,
Good point. A professional attitude is a must because that is what modeling is all about. The students need to see someone that has been successful in the field so they can catch a vision of where they are heading.
Gary
I agree. It is important that the student be confident that the instructor knows what he or she is teaching. The student will be motivated if they see a model professional in the field.
