I coonstantly test students while lecturing by asking them questions. They get excited at the thought they are understanding difficult topics while being presented. They are more ampt to ask questions and follow along knowing I will quiz them and as well reward them for actively participating.
Teresita,
Well put in terms of the value of reinforcement. It is a critical teaching technique that needs to be used frequently and appropriate. Students need to see how they and their contributions are valued in the class and when they do through reinforcement they will be engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Reinforcement is like wrapping up the learning that transpires. A student will feel accomplished for the day recognizing that he had understood something that before long seemed difficult for him. Reinforcement motivates the student in a way that he can express what he had learned in his own words.
I love this idea. I am going to start using it also. I can't wait to try it out. Jeanne
Holly,
Prompt feedback is a very good motivator as it shows the students where they are at in the course quickly. This way students can correct things they have cost them points and expand on those things that gained them points. This is a win win situation for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find for many of my students grades and immediate feedback are their reinforcements, so I am always prompt in returning assignments and posting grades on quizzes and exams. I also like to know that my students actually learned and understood the concepts and material taught in class, so I am starting to use little mini-quizzes built into my PowerPoint slides that ask key questions about the material just covered.
Nelson,
Both of the strategies really help to keep students focused on the content and their progress through the course. You make a very good about about the need for each student to feel acknowledged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
reinforcement and constant positive feedback are probably the best tools to motivate and help with students retention. i find that the students are more interested in the class and will try harder once they feel aknowledged.
Kay,
Your example of a 50 year old student smiling upon receiving a sticker. We have to remember that adults are just taller children. We all like to receive some recognition as well as reward for doing something well. My students will work extremely hard for a piece of candy because the candy came as a result of being recognized. Keep motivating your students with your efforts and smiley faces.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Annette,
This is a good strategy to follow because they learn about their errors in a way that gives them answers. As a result of their own research they will retain those answers long after the class and will be able to apply the information they have learned to their careers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
it gives them a sense of acomplishmentwhen you reenforce something and its clearer to them the second time around
Most people like to know that what they are doing is right and effective. Many people need the pat on the back and acknowledgement of their success. I have had many certificates for various accomplishments, but could not tell you where they are; they (the little paper certificate) means nothing to me. However, with students, especially those with a lower self-esteem, need that little piece of paper or verbal feedback. Even in college I ust the little smiley face, great job, awesome, ect. . . stickers. One would be amased how effective a little sticker is even to a 50 year old student.
I do something similar to my students. When I give them an assignment, if they make errors, I make them go back to their books and identify what they did wrong, as opposed to just "seeing" the errors on thier paper. It helps them to relate the wrong way they did it, to the right way to do it.
Deborah, thanks for sharing- I think this is a great idea. I have done this type of thing before in a History course, to reinforce again that they really did learn something, and not just feel they were lectured to without results.
I may try this concept in other courses as well- thanks!
Andrea
Diana,
Great idea! We all need to keep in mind that adults are just taller children. They like working for and earning prizes such as candy bars. You are making the review process a fun activity that involves sharing and competition. A win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is a really great idea also to use when engaging students. I like the concept of "out of class ticket."
One way that I use to reinforce what my students have learned that day is the last 45 minutes of class we will break off into groups and have a question and answer period and the group to answer the question first gets a candy bar. Students love this it provides learning and engages the competitive side of the students.
Estella,
How do you bring motivation opportunities into your classroom?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By motivating student the class builds momentum and new ideas and excitement continue to grow
Shalonda,
You make a good point about how students need to have the content reinforced to them and then refreshed for them through repeated examples and applications. This helps them to store the content in their working memories.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
