I often struggle with motivation with students in my writing class.
Many times they don't feel that they will ever need to use these skills and don't care.
I think I can reinforce this through including examples of errors in career-related materials and how that influences their employability.
I wish we had the ability to include the application of writing in the composition of resumes and cover letters.
At the end of a lecture or presentation, review material with students to improve retention and retain knowledge. this will demonstrate empathy and motivate the students.
Cynthia,
Your last sentence says it all in terms of why it is important to support the efforts of students. Through reinforcement such as that you are giving you are helping them to move closer to their career goals. In addition, they start to see how this new knowledge will be used to shape their future. This is a formula for success if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By bringing into the discussion a relevent experience the student had shared previously and comenting on how well the student made the connection to the topic. Positive reinforcement helps with motivation
I give short assignments in my algebra class that can be graded and returned the next day. I always make positive comments to the students as I return their papers. I can point out that they are doing better, following instructions, paying attention to detail or how much they have learned. By returning the papers the next day, the students are aware of their mistakes immediately so they do not continue practicing skills incorrectly. The mistake is corrected before it can be internalized. Students feel confident that they can be successful, and therefore are willing to continue working and not quit. I have found that immediate feedback is essential when teaching a course that continuously uses skills that were recently mastered. Success is a great motivator.
I wholeheartedly agree with the above concept. In my practice as a clinical instructor we do this constantly and it really helps the students "get" the practical application of their classroom knowledge.
Vincent,
This is so important for instructors to do because the students need to personalize the content to increase their retention of the material.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By linking the information to something that is relavent for the student.
Shronda,
How do you help your students to become motivated?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
yes motivation is the key
I love what Deborah stated. Her "ticket out of class" is a great tip on how to create a simple activity out of finding what worked well for that student during class. Also, maybe another idea would be to give the student or groups an assignment in class and have them problem solve a strategy to implement what they just learned in real time. Everyone loves when what they learn can be put into real life. It becomes motivational and reinforces our positive strengths.
Jacquelin,
This is a very important part of the learning process. Students can get caught up in meeting the course requirements and forget that they are actually learning a lot and making progress toward their career goals. They need to be reminded of this ever so often so they will be reinforced and get excited about the new knowledge and skills they have developed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Letting them realize what they have learned can show them that they are capable to succeeding and the possibility of success is very motivating in itself.
Joe,
They need to be reminded of this at times during a course because it is easy for them to be bogged down in coursework and forget how much they have actually learned.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It can be used to show the student how much they have learned and help to strive to learn more.
Marc,
This is a great way to check for understanding and get the students ramped up for the next class to come. Also, helps them to see where they need to shore up their knowledge or develop additional skills as they move forward in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Providing an opportunity for students to revisit what the class has covered at the end of each class has helped reinforce that days material and engage others to follow up or ask questions.
Lisa,
I call these "take-a-ways". This gives you an idea of how the learning process went for the class and the students get to share what they have learned which helps to build their confidence.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
At the end of the class session. Ask each student 1-2 things they learned in that session.
I believe when you positively reinforce a students answer it enhances self confidence and encourages other students to work with that person in the class - that they might have something to offer.
