Students love to be motivated to learn in class
Kent,
Good list. Thank you for sharing it with us because these items are what will help to keep students engaged an focused for the duration of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Some factors that contribute to motivation are immediate feedback, positive reinforcement, application of course material and engaging instruction and empathy for the student.
Mariann,
This is such a fun time in teaching. When the light bulb goes on and you know they got it that makes the rest of the class go so well. You know you have helped someone to see their future and how they can become a part of the career they have chosen.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think that especially in adult learners the application of the topics being taught is a great way to increase student motivation.
My field of expertise is pretty wide as are the occupations for which students are preparing. I find that it is possible to find that spark for what interests most students at one point or another. I view it as finding their "light bulb moment".
Daniel,
Like your approach on how to establish a positive learning environment. I try always keep in mind that adults are just taller children. I use a number of similar activities, such as Jeopardy and my students become involved and competitive very quickly. I am always amazed at how hard they will work for Dollar store prize. They have fun and then are surprised at how much they have actually learned in the process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that students are motivated by many things and it's often a juggling act to keep everyone moving forward. Mind you, it's a juggling act I enjoy...it (hopefully) keeps me sharp and on my toes. I like to "sneak in" new material in the form of case studies that start with familiar information and then branch off. I also like to do review sessions in game format when possible. For example, this week we spent about 20 minutes of my three hour class playing "Jeopardy". The questions / answers were topics that will be on the upcoming mid-term exam. There were prizes (courtesy of the dollar store) and they loved it!
Students can be compelled to motivation in a variety of ways. In general, if they want to be there, they are motivated. Make them want to be there.
Sherrie,
Right you are. It is easy for students to get worn down as the course progresses and they start to lose interest. By doing something different you can get them excited again and that will help them to see the value of their continued effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If you don't keep the student "excited", They lose interest quickly and start to skip class. No one wins at that point. It happens too often.
Sean,
Two important principles that we need to remember each time we step into a teaching situation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Susan,
I think this as well. This is the foundation upon which respect and rapport is earned and developed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The one comment made by the Harvard professor in the video clip contained in Module 3 hit me like a brick in the face. "You need to be believable as a teacher." Another comment made was "transfer of training is proof of learning!"
Great stuff!
I think that early, positive feedback and creating an open, cooperative learning environment are a couple of factors that contribute to student motivation.
Louis,
I think this is a good way to increase the value of the course content for them. You are showing them that you have had a rewarding career as a result of your hard work and effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The first day of class, after I learned about the students reasons for being there, I offer my own experience and how satisfying my career has been. How they can also find that satisfaction by learning and practicing what they are about to learn from me.
Jennifer,
If the instructor is enthusiastic about teaching the course content it spreads to the students. We all have had instructors in our past that did not want to be in the classroom and their attitude showed. Made for a very long course!
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When an instructor has enthusiasm, energy and emotion in their lecture, the students appreciate this. They pay more attention and retain the information better. If they can relate the information and remember the expressions of the instructor, they can retain the information longer as well.
atmosphere created by the instructor and school as a whole can motivate students to learn.
