Anne,
Good strategy to follow. Activities like these gets the students involved and focused on the content. Games let them laugh, have fun while increasing their application of the content that has been shared. A win win situation for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I use motivation due to the student's interest in the class. By use of quiz games and also extra credit, there is no negative to come out of that. They are then motivated to get a better grade to improve themselves by knowing more about the subject.
Sherry,
Good way to bridge from one day to the next. It is easy for students to drift away in longer class sessions. The more variety you can introduce as you deliver the content the better. This will help them to see the value of the content as well as make application of it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is a very good idea. My student receive a lot of information during each class and it is hard for my me to stay focused at times. At the end of a day when I have given them 6 hours of information I will sometimes give them at the begining of the next day give them "the question of the day" and it is something they have learned from the previous day. I will use both methods to keep them on their toes and focused on those long days of content
Antonio,
Good way to support your students while helping them grow in their knowledge and skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I alwais try to motivated my student by correcting a mistakes and praising success.
Mariann,
All of these instructional strategies contribute to the forward progress in the learning by students. My students love to play the games, like Family Feud and Jeopardy when we review for quizzes. They get competitive and excited about helping their team win the game. Fun time and a lot of learning opportunities.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Positive reinforcement can be given each day. By telling student how they are doing in each class and what needs to be done for them to be successful is important.
Also, playing certain games like Jeoparady and give rewards to the winners can als obe a successful what to encourage students.
Marian Urbancsik
I think using reinforcement when a student shares an experience motivates the individual and encourages other class members to share their experiences.
Barbara,
One thing instructors need to remember is that adult students are just taller children. Of course the content and the activities need to be age appropriate and professional but the rewards can be simple things such as candy, smiley faces, etc.. My students get very competitive when we are reviewing for quizzes and playing Jeopardy. They want to win the prize what ever it may be. This is a fun time that results in a lot of learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Great idea! I believe when students have something to look forward to (award, extra credit, ticekt out of class, etc) it motivitates them and forces them to be more attentive to what is being taught while at the same time, they have an expectation of receiving something in return.
Some of the homework assignments (reinforcement through repetition) are to complete out of class practice sessions and to get feedback from their test clients about how they performed.
:) To help this be motivating we ask their clients to give 1 criticism and 3 points of praise.
Adam,
Good point about helping the students to increase their energy and excitement about what they are being taught. Through positive reinforcement you are showing them the value of what is being offered in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think positive reinforcement is critical in motivating students. It displays to the student that they can be successful. When I use positive reinforcement I can instantly see the energy levels of the students increase.
Mary,
Feedback and reinforcement are two elements needed for teaching success. The more information we can give them along with support for their growth the more they will be engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Reinforcement lets the students know that you are there to make sure that they learn the skills they need. When they do a great job, we let them know it. When they don't do as well, we give them encouragement to keep going. It also motivates me at the same time. Our students need our input.
Katherine,
You are bringing a good balance to your students via both content and application. You are helping them to grow personally as you coach them in time management and decision making. These efforts will help the transition from classroom to work site go better for your students. Shows them relevancy and application in relation to what they are learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My course follows into a clinical situation and often times I try to bring up highlights of previous lecture material and incorporate it into the clinical setting. I point out procedures that they are doing that was learned from past class time. This makes the student aware that they are applying what they have learned and motivates them to keep going. I also give out bonus points for clinical success like good time management by having their unit ready right on time.
Deborah, I see you had many responses to your great idea on reinforcing and motivating your students. I too am going to try that.
Erika,
Good way to check for understanding in the moment. This way you can see if the information you are sharing is getting through to them and how you can make any adjustments you need to make to keep them on target.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
