In my experience it's very important (as mentioned) to return assignments (quizzes, papers, exams) as soon as possible. If the class meets two times a week and the quiz is in on Tuesday, have it graded for them and discuss it on Thursday. If you see them once a week and they hand in a paper in Week 4, have it back to them and discuss the approaches to the paper in Week 5.
I also think that being vigilant about responding to their e-mail really motivates them. I try my best to get them an answer or provide some guidance within a 24 hour period. When they send me a response they are always appreciative. It shows that you as an instructor are listening, and you care.
As well, I assign questions/cases/experiential exercises for students to prepare for the following week. Being focused and coming to class prepared to do a few things well (rather than trying to wade through a whole bunch of stuff poorly) gets them engaged in the subject matter. A conversation about one area branches out into another and before you know it everyone in the class is moving in the direction of finding their voice.
I like to use past students to come to the class as a guest speaker and relate their experiences in the industry to reinforce the practical application of the courses and program. This validates not only the specific class but offers an achievable goal for present students to stay motivated.
I also bring in people in the industry that have “Worked themselves up” without having a formal education to illustrate that the education that learners receive today will put them on the fast track to success.
Students are encouraged to ask them both questions about their experiences and to ask them what they would have done differently if they could go back in time an do it over.
It’s always gratifying to hear that the past student will say that they should have paid more attention to specific instruction and that the secondary speaker would have strived for a more formal education to be more successful more quickly.
I like to have a quick - but ethical humorous tie in to get the students attention at the beginning of class as well as play background music to break up the early morning boredom - then as soon as class starts I turn it off.
Great points. I like to use case study scenarios to help the students develop their critical thinking skills
Hi Ty,
Exactly. This building of connections is so very important. The more episodic memory we can build the greater the content retention is going to be.
Gary
One example would be taking the episodic memory and bridging that to the semantic memory. This can be done by sharing the instructor's own life experiences as they relate to the course material. This can cause a spark to the students' own episodic memory that can create motivation.
Constructive feedback ia another tool that can motivate students; I like to use critical thinking case studies that fire up the class's enthusiasm.
I've found that students react very positively to actual life examples of what they are studying (either theirs or mine) so that they clearly understand the significance of what is being learned.
Making the learning experience fun and challenging by presenting facts and situations in a 'game' setting and having students compete works well also.
Immediate feedback on work or a project that they've completed also helps keep them engaged in the process.
Hi Chanel,
This is critical is the students are going to see the application between the classroom and the real world. The more examples that can be given the more understanding there will be.
Gary
I like to use life experiences or relate to past work conditions to read how well the students respond to what they expect
I use my past experiences in my field which additionally are very similar to my students as a motivator. Past stories of accomplishments as well as failures let the students see I am not only an instructor, but was once in their very same shoes. Many students relate well to this, and ask career advice. Also just simply being excited about my class and all the stories my students volunteer is a big rapport building exercise.
Utilizing real-world experiences that they may have..for example if they are currently working in retail..you can discuss how those acquired skills that they already have will really help them in thier future job that they are schooling for.
Hi Daniel,
You make a very good point about competition. It does exist and the most successful people rise to the occasion and are able to perform. They need to see that through hard work and practice they can create a future for themselves but it won't be easy and that sometimes is hard for them to grasp.
Gary
Having former students, who graduated and are working in the field, return and talk to our students.
I think that constantly reinforcing subject matter and its application to the work place helps to motivate learners to remain focused on the subject and motivates them to be competitive. Learners must realize that competition is a fact, and that they must be constantly developing their skills to remain in the current market. The only thing that will hold students back are themselves. After a demo, I ask in my class is there anyone who can’t do this. No on e ever says yes and it’s up to the instructor to explain that very few can do it the first time but all can do it with practice. Stay focused and you will succeed.
Being a Culinary graduate and working in the Culinary field I use my expertise from my experiences to communicate to the students the paths they can take and also the good and the bad along the way. For those students that are new to the field it gives them insight to what is to come.
The power of relevance. Tell and show your students how what they are learning in class is so critical to thier success. I take everyday occurances some from newsprint, some from students first hand experiences and work them into a reason why the education and information are so important. The easiest one of lately, the economic down-turn... Who is the boss going to keep on staff, someone who knows the answer and can do multiple things or someone who does only one and cannot supply the answer. I do not try to make it so blunt or bleak as to deter thier overall motivation, but nudge them into making the education process a critical point in thier career.
These are a few:
1-Recognize students for their accomplishments
2-Take time to talk to them in class and to listen
3-Let them know that their opinion matters
4-Encourage them to share their experiences with others
5-Remind them of their ultimate goals frequently...
Let me know what you think!
There are lots of different things you can do to motivate students. you first need to find out what it is that triggers each individual student to do well. Some may be very competitive and want to be first in something others need to get positive affirmation in their responses. We teach online so when a student posts an assignment that leaves a lot to be desired I write back with the good things they said and give a grade but give suggestions to make the answer better and give them an opportunity to improve
Hi Christine,
Good communication strategy. This way your students know you are always available to them and that you want them to contact as needed. I know this really helps to reduce their stress as they work their way through the course.
Gary
I teach Information Literacy. In my classes, I include "life literacy" as well as "school literacy." It's just as much about evaluating good online sources, and finding good sites for medical information as it is on how to write a bibliography. In each class we'll discuss relevant information they can use in their day to day lives, which they appeciate a great deal.
