I believe that instructors are the best motivators: instructor enthusiasm and passion cajoles students to give their all in the classroom. Moreover, having fun and incorporating a variety of teaching methodologies can also motivate students. I often enjoy playing games in the classroom or creating projects that will allow students to apply what they learn, emulating real life situations and scenarios so that they can see how what they learn in class will help them in their chosen careers.
Hi Christine,
I would take my lesson outlines and go talk with instructors in the various career fields. I would look at their course outlines and see where crossovers might be where you can show application of literature in career settings. Look for career examples in the literature you have your students read. Anything to bring the gap with concrete examples of application. Fine literature has been compared to fine food for example. The question is why is the comparison made? Examples of these types may help.
Gary
Hi Kerry,
Well said. A good list to follow if we are going to be successful in the classroom.
Gary
Hi Eugene,
Using guest speakers is very valuable in getting messages across. It is much like when parents tell their kids something the kids dismiss much of it because parents are suppose to tell you things that are "good for you". Instructors are much like parents in this case. We tell our students something and then a guest speaker comes in and says the same they and they go "wow" because they have heard it from two places and it is more than just the instructor saying it for the sake of saying it.
Gary
I like the example that you had there to include the "What's in it for me". Whether it's something they can use within the class or their future classes, the knowledge that they can gain within the class should help them stay motivated as long as they see a goal in mind.
I find one of the best ways to motivate the students in the classes is to share real life experience that relates directly to the material that they're learning. I also incorporate these types of things within assignment feedback area as well as the discussions.
I try to create some excitement about the topic to explain to the students of why certain aspects are important and how it can help them in their career. Sometimes, I find it's the small things that they pick up that they keep with them in their career path.
It is amazing how well this works. When a former student comes back to talk to my class they hang on every word the former student has to say. They get to have someone answer thier questions who just finished the same course they are in. This also helps the instructor's credibility when they get the same answer from the former student that they had gotten from the instructor.
I truly believe that if you genuinely "RESPECT" students, everything that is necessary to motivate, is present!
You will have learned/continue to learn enough to lead.
You will care enough to flex.
You will relieve them from the boredom you're creating.
Your excitement for the field, and for them, will be contagious.
For me, enthusiasm has been very important. A lot of people come to my literature class thinking that the subject is boring and completely irrelevant to their career. Time and again I have been told that it is my enthusiasm for the subject matter that finally brought the reluctant students around. However, I would like to discover more ways to help the students feel that the subject is more relevant to them. I am very passionate about what I teach, but it's quite difficult to relate the subject to their specialized career area. Any suggestions? Enthusiasm is wonderful, but it does have limits.
I like to use personal experiences of job satisfaction with my students. It helps them to see that hard work does pay off and show them how rewarding career can be. I also like to give them very clear examples as to why the material is going to be useful to them. No one wants to waste time and I feel that it is my job to make the connection between course material and real-world concepts for them.
Lacey Finley
Hi Jesse,
You are making WIIFM real for each student. They can see the ROI (Return On Investment) that you are asking of them through study and hard work.
Gary
Hello Gary. Before I start a new subject in my courses I cover the objectives. I also included "What's In It For Me". I give the students examples of how they can apply the skills they are about to learn to something real and tangable for the students. This gets them motivated and sets their mind on learning.
I like to demonstrate the relevance of the day's material to current or past work situations, either my own or from one of the students. When you demonstrate to the class how a particular factor can lead to either success or failure, they get interested. If another student can reinforce the lesson, they believe the lesson more and gain a motivation to understand the situation.
Hi Brad,
Great list. To the point and clear. This is how the students can create a future for themselves if they want to put forth the effort. Simple but very effective.
Gary
I'm not a college instructor.
I motivate by example
I motivate by the potential dollars they can earn
I motivate by the superior knowledge they will have over their peers in the field.
I motivate by letting them know how STUPID can get a job, and Knowledge can create a career.
Hi Marianna,
You are bringing an excellent mix to the classroom with all that you are doing. This should keep the students interested and engaged with the variety that is being offered.
Gary
I try to relate to the "real world work experiences" I have had and/or they may have when they get their next job. If students can see how their studies relate to their future jobs, they start caring about the class more and see it less as a burden, but rather as a preparation to the "real world".
It is also great to have students in the classroom that do have those "real" jobs and that can share with the rest of us how what we learn in class applies to their work. What I have noticed is that the students that have had at least some experience in "the field" do appreciated the courses and projects more than those who have never worked in the industry or never worked at all. I ask the students to share their experiences. I also invite guest speakers form the industry and alumni, that "made it" in the field. All this bring hope and excitement into the classroom that otherwise could have been boring and seemingly unrelated to the students' future.
Hi Lisa,
This sounds like a great approach because it has the students look back from where they were to where they are. They get so busy with life and school that they often miss the fact they are learning a lot and getting closer to their career goals.
Gary
In the more advanced baking classes I make it a game for everyone to remember EVERY product they've physically made. It helps reinforce the techniques and the flavor profiles of classical desserts. They impress themselves when they realize just how much they've learned and how they can apply that knowledge to create new things.
I think its nice for outside industry to come into the classroom and share with students. It makes students excited to finish school and gives them ideas for futre employment.
