One of the ways I motivate my students are to take them out into the "real world" on a field trip. This gives my students to see how their skills will be used in a practical day-by-day scenario. It boosts their excitement and motivation tremendously!
I find that one way to motivate students is to take a personal interest in them and their accomplishments. It is very motivating to be acknowledged and praised by someone you feel genuinely cares about you and your success. I make a point when a student has shared something with me to follow up with them i.e. ask them about it again, check in to see how things are going in that area. They know that I care about them and this motivates them to work harder as they feel that I have a real interest in them.
I think the biggest factor in motivating students is to be motivated yourself. If the students see you are well prepared, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable, they will respond in a more positive manner and will be motivated to join the fun and learn!
I come from South America ,and,I have many experiences to share with my students I like to make small goals to help to focus for the Final proyect.
Find out what motivates the student. If you can build a rapport as to what the student is looking for as far as their learning style then you can motivate them based on that need.
Just as some students are easy to instruct, some are easily motivated. It's the ones who challenge us that offer some of the greatest reward when they become motivated!
Providing honest and constructive POSITIVE feedback.
Ensuring your students know you care about their success.
Always encouraging your students success.
Ana,
This is such valuable information to have because by knowing it you will have an idea about what is motivating individual students. This way you can encourage them as needed throughout a course when life issues start to pull them away from being successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
To be a motivating instructor begins with knowing what motivates your students. Being enrolled in a career-college program shows that they have goals to achieve, but knowing the reason(s) behind those goals is an important part of knowing your students. I know that some of my students are enrolled in college because they want and need to support their families, and other students are enrolled because they want to make a family member proud. It's important to know these things about students so that you can motivate them to achieve their goals.
Jennifer,
You make a good point concerning the fact that students have to bring something to the learning environment as well. They need to have the self discipline to do the work required and the motivation to shape their own career. We can facilitate the learning process but in the end it is their future and they have to work to make it what they want it to be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
David,
Like the way you express how learning should occur. This approach is a great way to get the students involved in the different parts of the course, such as Q&A sessions, project reporting, etc.. This helps them as they internalize the content that is being shared while learning more about themselves in relation to the career they have chosen.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also feel it is hard to motivate students sometimes. This is a 2 way street. The instructor cannot do it all. The studnets have to give back as well. Student feedback is good when trying to motivate. Ask what is working and what is not. If you have a starting point things usually flow from then. It's the initial start that is the hardest. (For me at least)
Student must feel as if you are on the journey with them - walking beside them - not in front of them or above them but with them. There will be difficulty and hardship and it doesnt mean you dont hold them to your high standards but they need to know that you are in the classroom for them - for their benefit. Sharing of personal experiences and relevant examples of course content will help them to be motivated to stay the course.
Elanor,
So important for us all to keep our focus forward. This way we can keep our goals in sight and strive to meet them. Letting today's problems overcome us stops the direction we want to go and the vision we have for ourselves and our career.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Some ways I motivate my students is to focus on the little successes that they have in their lives and school work. Sometimes it is something as small as a smile and "I am so happy to see you today!" and sometimes it takes a bit more effort. One of the things I use for me, when I need to be motivated is I loook at the level of commitment I have and is this obsticle really a mountain or a mole hill? I use this to help students who have lost sight of their vision and feel like quitting. Once we figure out why they are feeling like that, we look at all the positive things that have happened because of their challenges.
Nestor,
Sounds like a great time for everyone. Classes like this is what keeps us coming back class after class. The intellectual exchange is fun for both us and our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I really enjoy this portion of my class time. I encourage the students to think outside the box and we gave tremendous debates that encourage everyone to pursue better versions of themselves as future professionals. It's just a blast for all. All of us grow and learn from each other.
Julie,
This is the formula for teaching and learning success. I know I like to be around people that have a passion for their field and are excited about sharing information about it with others. Enthusiasm is catching and that is a good thing.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the classroom. I support my knowledge and training with my high energy and passion/
Jeanie,
I am excited for you as you teach your next course. Sounds like you have a number of new activities and strategies you want to try. I know you are going to like the results you get.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
