MOTIVATION
The best way to get student motivated, give them something to disassamble, in class , to assamble back , better then it was before, get involed, on the whiteboard?
As a part-time instructor, I share with the students my experiences of working full-time at a hospital. They can then relate what they're learning to real-life experience. Also, I tell them to never give up on their goal. Even when they feel that it is too hard and they cannot succeed, I provide positive reinforcement and let them know they can and will get through it.
Students with high capabilities often feel "out of range" in classes and do need extra challenges. It is better to recognize it upfront not when those who had needed and had expected more challenges start to loose interest in class.
I find that sharing real world experiences in the field and challenging students to step up to achievable tasks works well for motivation.
"MOTIVATION" is great in "HANDS ON" labs, but not so easily accomplished in "Math" class!
Nia, that is a great way of motivating the students. I myself would encourage my students by telling them a job well done even if they did not do good I would tell them that the mear fact that they tried they are going to another level. By me telling my students that they tend to do better and want to finish the race they stared.
Having a motivational item posted in the classroom can be an excellent source of motivation. Keeping subjects interesting and relevant for their future work experience can also be helpful.
I have a student that wants to have a challenge- she struggles in school, but tells me she needs to be 'challenged' in order to do better. We have written down broad range achievable improvement goals for her for next qtr. We will see how it goes.
Hi LaQuanda!
I, too, like the idea of posting motivational materials and having a positive reenforcment quote of the day. During the term each student can participate in providing the quote.
But I must agree that sharing real life experiences is an excellent tool. Putting the 2 together - the use of motivational materials and sharing real life experiences - is the best approach.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Nia, I like your ideas. In the beginning of a new class, I have student tell me and the class what motivate them to be successful. Then the students have to write on a postcard their drives and post them on the walls of the classroom. This help me as well because when student lose their drive, I refer back to the postcards.
Real life application is, i think, the easiest way to motivate - by and large, i think that motivation stems from the student him or her self and differs greatly. Through conferences, i can often determine where motivation lies and how best to tap into that on an individual level, or at least in several varied ways.
I am an LPN and am teaching Medical Billing and Coding. The students are able to use my connection to the body systems. They are now starting to ask questions as to Did the physician miss something in documentation or is there enough here to code this or do we have to query the physician. I feel it is important to give them examples as every casse is never exactly the same in our world.
I have always loved the word motivation.Many of the students do not come in the classroom with motivation they want the instructor to give it to them. I think many students are not familiar with this word. Students do not know how powerful this word is. In the classroom the instructor has to continue to come up with ways in which to challenge and motivate the students.
Hi Donald!
Absolutely one of the best post that I have read. Instructors must teach to today's student's learning styles and incorporate technology. I have been opposed to using cell phones in the classroom. But the more I understand and use the latest technology, I can see where it could be used in the classroom for learning verses something instructors are trying to "deal with"!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
It seem to me, that if you want to motivate a student, you must address the W.I.I.F.M.(What's In It For Me)of the student. Having the student focus on the "big picture" sometimes has the effect of inspiring the student to look for a short cut to achieve the long term goal. In this age of instant gratification, the student needs to be aware of how the subject matter being presented will help him to reach his goal or "big picture".
I don't think there is a best way. However, I've found that if I can teach real life applications students are much more likely to be interested. They often seem to enjoy subject matter much more when they can apply it to something they are doing now, or something they desire to be doing.
I don't think there is a best way. However, I've found that if I can teach real life applications students are much more likely to be interested. They often seem to enjoy subject matter much more when they can apply it to something they are doing now, or something they desire to be doing.
I encourage the students to put pictures, phrases, of places, people, things, that motivate them to continue on in school. Some of the vision boards that my students have made have included pictures of family, homes, cars, money, food, places they wanted to travel to, etc. I remember one student in particular had pictures of her family, a home, and a table with a fabulous dinner. She said that she was currently living out of a room in a friends home with her three children. Her motivation/goal was a home with space for everyone to have their own room, and to be able to afford dinner every night. She kept the vision board posted over her study area. - Needless to say, she graduated and about three years later, moved into a four bedroom house ( rented) and was off food stamps. As small and as schmalzty as vision boards may seem, they can work.
Hi Amy!
I like the idea of the "vision board"! What type of things do you put on the board?
Thanks and good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I think that if you make the students think about what they hope their education/career training will do for them overall, i.e. the big picture, it will crystallize their resolve. Sometimes making a " Vision Board" and keeping it in a prominent place to remind them of what they hope to accomplish is a great motivator.
