Hi Thomas,
Sometimes students don't see the progress they are making in their courses. As you say with the closure you give them on Friday they can see the actual progress and will be ready to go come Monday. Keep up the good work.
Gary
On way is keep your students quessing. Never do the same thing but keep your work consistant. Go over the work material, but don't be routine with it. "REFOCUS" us some of your students ideas.
One thing that I like to do to keep students motivated is to remind them of all that they have accomplished in the class and lab in a short amount of time. The first week of my class is very challenging to students and I warn them of that on the first day, however at the end of the first week of class (we spend Friday out in the lab) my students apply all that they have learned. I take this opportunity to remind them where they were on Monday, point out all the theory and opperation that they have learned and then bring to their realization that they are already doing in practical application what they came to class to understand. I congratulate them on their accomplishments and encourage them to congratulate themselves. This fires up that motivational flame.
Hi Darlene,
Adults are still child like inside in many ways. I know we can treat them like children but on the other hand sometimes we can reinforce them like we do kids. Your stickers and smiley faces, etc. are evidence of that. Good job. Keep up the effort I know your students will benefit from your work.
Gary
Making the classroom appear as close to the work site. Bringing in career professionals and recent graduates to motivate the students.
use real world experiences as examples. show how lesson is applicable to earns in chosen career. Be enthusiastic in your presentation.
When teaching I always tell stories of my experiences I have had in the field. The students love my stories because they know they are real and not something someone made up.
I also tell them about all of the wonderful job offers and experiences I have had in the field. Hearing these make them very motivated knowing that I am giving the road to success and all they have to do is follow it.
I also motivate my students by giving them praise when they do a good job. I use stickers and notes and always give them feedback usually the same day and no later than the next day.
They go home and put their exam papers on their refrigerators just like the kids.
I always put a smiley face on their papers or write a note or draw a picture so they can feel good about what they have done. I don't over inflate though. If they have not done so well on a paper, then I might draw a little face that is not smiling and tell them they will do better next time.
enthusiam toward the subject works for me as well as showing the value of the learned task in their field of interest.
Hi Kimberly,
I commend you for the excellent job you are doing with offering challenging and informative instruction through a number of different venues so your students have learning options. Good luck with the gland section of your course.
Gary
It is imperative to be prepared for class. Students can read their book at home. It is the instructors job to incorporate active learning into each lesson. I teach in the medical field and one of the most laborious body systems to master is the endocrine system. For this lesson I break the class into small groups and assign each group a gland. They are required to research the gland and create a lesson plan for teaching that material to the rest of the class. Some of my students get so creative, I find myself taking notes!
Hi Stephen,
You make a very good point about instructors never having a bad day. We all know we have them but we can't let those days influence how we are in the classroom/lab. We have to leave everything at the door and be the best we can be inside that setting every time we enter it.
Gary
One example would be to learn about your students individual backgrounds. Once you know them, you can utilize students in situations that they may be familiar with. An example would be a student that is eloquent with his verbal skills can be called upon to reiterate a concept to a group of students or the entire class for clarification purposes. Another example would be to use a student with specific background as an assisitant to a group that may be having some difficulties mastering a task. One technique that I feel is one of the most important as an instructor is to "never have a bad day". Students learn by example( actions speak louder than words). They will reflect the attitude/personality of the instructor. If the instructor exudes confidence, a positive attitude, approachability, and compassion, it's pretty hard not to have this rub off on the students.
Hi John,
I have used this approach with great success. In addition to the teamwork and sense of accomplishment benefits, students take great pride in knowing that a project they worked on will be used to enhance the educational experience of others who follow in their footsteps.
This can be a tremendous motivator.
real life senerios.i let them fix there cars and my lab cars.they are taught in class and then they do it on vehicles just like they would do it in the real world
Upon receiving a new class of students, the instructor should learn the goals of each student. The instructor would then determine how the student would get closer to accomplishing his goal by the succesful completion of this course. Then by guiding the student through this course by means of instruction, reinforcement and application, the instructor can measure his students success. Individual or group tasks can help the student measure his success. If a student shows difficulty or discouragement in a task, the instructor can redirect instruction or offer personal tutoring for the student. this will show the student that you really care about his success and aid him in accomplishing his goal. Taking a personal interest in each student and recognizing when a task is well done as well as acknowledging when more preperation is required keeps a student involved in accomplishing their goal. Knowing that they have a expert in the area of study in their corner helps them to strive to succeed with confidence
Career college instructors should show their students how the class will help them reach their goals; allow them to share their past experiences; have a well-organized sequential learning path laid out for them; allow the students to work on projects that reflect their own learning needs and interests; and keep in mind that they only want to "get in, get trained, and get out."
Bring in a successful technician working in the field and let him show the students if they apply and dedicate themselves they also can make it and become successful.
I maintain an open an relaxed atmosphere in all my classes. Students can ask questions or make statements without consequences. Humor is a tol that I think motivates and enhances learning. It can also help with retention of information. Of course, an instructor must have the respect of his students to maintain this open atmosphere. This goes back to the trust issue in that students have to be aware that what you are teaching has meaning and purpose for them.
In the business I am in I have some 40 years of experience and to my way of teaching I like to use case studies from experiences I have had and then put students in groups and do brainstorming sessions periodically and you would be surprise at the feedback and enthusiasm of competition that takes place! Also we use class trips and this brings out the quiet learners and motivates them in ways that they can understand by seeing actual live situations.
I do what I call a dog and pony show. I show an energy for the course and for their well being. I encourage them to look toward tomorrow and not their past. they need to know they CAN DO IT. I let them know they all have what it takes. they just neeed to believe.
