Motivating Student
Having belief in them gives the student belief in self.
Always push this . The smallest thing can have a big effect on the student.
All we need is love. Students are no different.
I believe that showing enthusiasm and passion for the subject, as well as sharing real life experiences, makes a world of differece in student motivation. Equaly important is sharing ones own failures. Students realized that despite obstacles, the instructor was still able to reach their goals. This encourages them to keep moving forward, despite of temporary setbacks.
Mark,
yes, this is an excellent reminder of some of the unique struggles that our adult learners face. The more we can do to encourage their participation & help them see the possibilities for success, the better they will perform.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Adult learners are different. Motivations and self-confidence can be stripped away before they arrive. They know why they are there, but out of fear and anxiety they may not participate and thus create a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure. A teacher must assist in creating private victories as well as public success. Easier said than done.
Sandra,
this really is powerful & very motivating to the students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Until reading this course I never put much thought to encouraging students to believe in themselves. I honestly have always encouraged them and pushed them to believe in themselves so it is very appeasing to me that it is absorbed positively.
I agree that many times, the instructor is the only motivation that many students have. I try to motivate my students as much as I possibly can, but, I also try to get them to motivate themselves and push themselves to be the best that they can.
Sherry,
and if we are excited & believe they can accomplish this, they will be inspired themselves.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Students need motivation because oftentimes the instructors are the only method of motivation that these students recieve.
I agree! I also believe that when you feel confident in the classroom, your students feel more confident of their ability to learn.
Encouraging students is a great tool, as many students aren't used to someone else referring to them in a positive manner.
Jeff
Encouraging students to do their best will help them to do their best. We must also give them all the information and tools they need so that they can refer to those things that they have learned.
I have many students who are the first in their family to attend college. They are often scared and excited. So having me as an excited and inspiring instructor gives them the belief that they are capable. I love hearing from my students who have graduated and hearing about how important that enthusiasm was to them.
I'm constantly giving my students encouragement and reassuring that they can make it. It does make a big difference. Some come from broken homes with no support or encouragement. When I believe in them it really means a lot and gives them the motivation that they can make it.
Latasha ,
it really is amazing how much my belief in a student can mean to him/her.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
