Matthew,
Yes, regular and timely feedback is very important to and for student engagement. You make a very good point about the value of genuine feedback rather than just piling on some words. We need to use our feedback in a way that is valued by students so they will be motivated to work even harder.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One of the strongest ways I can be a motivator to my students is regular and timely feedback. This starts with making a personal connection with the student and then giving them regular feedback. Feedback can be about effort in class, small changes in performance (grades), how they show up as a professional. I work to make each feedback point relevant and authentic. The flip side is that giving complements just for the sake of compliments does not foster true motivation for the student. I believe that people want to be seen for the efforts they put in so it is critical, as an instructor, to recognize this in my students.
Katherine,
This is a great exercise! So many students do not have a vision for themselves. They just sign up for courses and worry about what grade they can get. They don't see how they are building career components for themselves that will result in their success upon graduation. Keep up this effort, it is so valuable to the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
We have incorporated a 'vision board' assignment right at the beginning of the program to help the students envision their success (as well as to give their instructors some insight about what goals and dreams they are planting).
By discussing their vision statements, and helping them refine and clarify what they see for themselves, we have been given the relevant language to continue encouraging them and checking in on how their goals are progressing or changing as they gather more insight and skill for their career path.
:) knowing where they intend to work later lets me offer relevant articles and bits of information to the group and to the individuals.
Find reasons to praise, not punish; look for reasons to give points, not reasons to take points away. Feedback is a better way to deliver a messsage and support for improvement compared to taking points away with no explination.
Kevin,
This is a case where skill and expertise served you well. They respected you for your expertise and didn't worry about your age. Thanks for sharing this example with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I started as a barber instructor I was 23 years old and I was able to cut and hold my own against the other instructors who have been in the field longer then me and all of my students young and old looked at me as a motivation for them to push because no matter the age you can be great.
James,
The more connections you can make like this the better. This greatly increases the value of the course to the students because they begin to see the relevancy of the current information and how it impacts their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try keeping the class up to date with current information from the class material and then I try to relate it to something in thier field as well as something they may use in other parts of their lives.
Katherine,
Good point about showing the human side as an instructor. You once sat where they are setting so they need to know you understand what they are going through and that you are there to help them if they are willing to put forth the needed effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe having and showing enthusiasm makes me a better motivator. It isn't always easy when students are struggling but then I try to be more empathetic and put my self in their shoes. If I show them the human factor side of me, they feel better knowing I feel for them and that helps them overcome or conquer their struggle.
Christine,
Great way to approach the classroom. By being passionate about your content and enthusiastic about teaching it you are setting up a situation that engages and supports learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that the best way I can help motivate my students is by having a positive attitude and outlook about the information I'm presenting as well as the industry they're headed in to. I do provide a realistic outlook of what they might expect as they get ready to enter the field and how much work they will need to put in finding the right opportunity within the field, but I do keep positive about the potential opportunities that could be available. I also provide them a variety of options/paths they can choose to follow within their industry. Often times that motivates the students that are new to the field of how many varying positions they could do with their new education.
Motivation does come from within, however as a professional in my field I can share my experiences with them and show them where I have come from in order to motivate them to have big goals. I believe allowing them to see people working in their field gives them motivation.
Grace,
Great attitude for an instructor to have. You are impacting lives and shaping futures so the more effort you put into supporting your students the more help you will be providing them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree sharing life experiences get students motivated. Usually students, at my campus, who go out on externship must attend a seminar before they graduate from the program. The exercise for the student is to stand up and tell the class their best day and worst day, and to share something they've learned, as an extern, working in the "real world." It is refreshing for most to know that they are not the only ones feeling the way they do and each tend to offer suggestions on how each can overcome one's obstacles. The discussion definately helps those who have concerns. Towards the end, I also partake in the exercise and share my experiences. Students feel more at ease and willing to go back out and succeed. As for me, it's a wonderful feeling knowing I can share something I've learned and make a difference in someone else's life.
Gordon,
Students really like to hear stories from their instructors. These stories help to make the content come alive and have value to them. Also, they are good motivators because the students hear about how it really is in the workplace.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I can be a motivating instructor by sharing work life experiences. I can get excited and show enthusiasm when I can relate a subject to a past event that will help clarify a topic I'm trying to convey. I get emotional and animated and still relate my expertise to the subject matter.
Cheryl,
Good for you. Checking for understanding is an important part of the instructional process. This way you know if your students are getting it and are able to use it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I am teaching students a subject that can be challenging I always ensure the student that once the class is complete they will walk away with something that they did not have a clue about.
