Motivation
I have had instances in the past where a student is a very slow learner due to language problem who has difficulty in understanding english. I have to spend more time with her and patiently repeat words for her to catch up and give more lengthy explanation. In addition I actually assigned certain students who speaks english and her language to help her out and do group studies. She just graduated and is currently working. I must have given her the motivation to accomplish this; proof that proper motivation really works.
Dr. Pastor
Thanks for sharing this idea, Kenny! More and more, I'm realizing that it is very important for an instructor to really understand what motivates his/her students.
When I was a student, I was always very motivated; as an instructor, I sometimes forget that not all students are as motivated as I was. I'm learning to focus on what motivates my students rather than comparing my students' level of motivation to my own.
What a great excercise. I do ask my nursing students why they want to be a nurse but have never asked them to write it down..I like it. Motivation is a powerfull tool in learning
letting them see your motivation helps them stay motivated.
the best motivation is too show a skills they learning can be applied in their future
In addition to this showing that you care about their success goes along way twords their motivation.
Kenny,
I think this is a great idea & one that all of us can give consideration to for incorporation into our classes.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I find that motivation is important for any student that struggles or has life issues. I have the studnets write down the first day of class why they are in school. I keep these, and when a student starts losing the motivation or is having issues, I will pull out what they wrote and get them to refocus on why they are in school. More times than not, this works to get them back on the horse and going back in the right direction.
Motivation is very important. Simply by showing the person that you understand and that you care goes a long way. It definitely helps to motivate their learning process.
Hi Dr. Pastor,
I have the challenge of teaching biology to students that may be struggling with the English language. I have many barriers to motivating my students to learn a subject that is so full of tough words that it is a new language by itself. Many students don't like science either and it's hard to keep them learning. Some tools I use include giving many breaks and short lectures. This gives them bite sizes of science to chew on. I also try to be funny and give a lot of examples. Humor can cross most language barriers.
