To motivate a student, it is positive reinforcement that will assist in absorbing the new material. This will inspire the student to want to learn more.
I've used the "verbal quiz to get out of class", but I like this much better!
I think that is an excellent idea to reinforce the positive
I use practicing in the lab as reinforcement of the lecture. After practice, they perform the exams
for the instructor.
Billy,
I give my students Professional Points to encourage attendance and being on time. Enough points to help them move up a grade and conversely enough to drop a grade. Students really pay attention to these points and work to earn them. Of course there are always one or two students that will not be impacted by anything that is done at the school and their grades reflect their attitude as well as helps to shape their future if there is going to be one.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
We are starting to recognize students for attendance. Each student that has stellar attendance will be presented a certificate, in class and in front of their peers. We are also generating a list of these students that will be conspicuous throughout the campus.
Aleah,
I think this is very important to do since most of us instructors have problems with getting students to class on time as well as attending on a regular basis. It is for sure that employers are looking for graduates that they can count on to be at work each day and on time.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When a student has perfect attendance I like to acknowledge it in front of other students to show that attendance is valued and encouraged.
Gary,
So true. Through application and practice the students will start to develop the skills needed to be successful in the course and in the field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In technical or quantitative classes reinforcement of the material is critical for learning and motivation. It is not enough to show an example and expect the students to grasp the material. They need to engage the material, practice some trial and error, then repeat the process. As they gain understanding through reinforcement, their confidence builds. As their confidence builds, their motivation builds.
Brittney,
Reinforcement is a powerful tool for instructors to use. Many adults in our schools lack self confidence due to their being out of school for a number of years or they feel they can't compete with younger students. The more success we can offer them early on in a course the greater their confidence will be and this will increase their personal motivation. This sets the stage for a win win situation for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
What is that saying, "for every 1 negative, there should be 10 positives?" I always think about this statement, because it is very true. When students are reinforced for the good that they are doing throughout the course, they are more likely to accept some "bads". Students will more readily want the advice you offer, as long as the negative is not all they are hearing. By using reinforcement, your students will be motivated when you offer them suggestions on how to do better, because they strive to hear the positive. By reinforcing the work that they are doing well, they are being encouraged to continue this work, rather than just see there hard work being bypassed.
Maggie,
This is a great way to motivate your students. I really like how this form of motivation spills over to include their children. Reinforcement from family has a lot to do with keeping students in school as we know.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
MALCOLM,
I commend you for the quick turn around. This is so important in a course like Algebra. They can quick feedback while being able to make adjustments that will increase their proficiency in the area.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I used the letter grade system and along with motivating stickers. Students really strive to put their best performance forward. Also students with children used their graded paper as a motivation for their children who are in school as well.
In College Algebra class, I try to grade quizzes and return the results the same class period. When results are poor, I re-assure a student that there is still hope and that I or the tutoring center is available for extra help.
B+ and A- grades get a " Very good "
and A and A+ get an " Excellent " written on the papers
Michael,
Can't say it too much. Repetition is a valuable learning tool that we need to use as much as we can as we instruct our students. The fun part is to come up with new ways of saying the same thing over and over again so the students stay with us in terms of attention.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am stealing this to use in my class also.
In my experience repetition is one of the most important ways to get adult students in particular to retain knowledge, as well as hands on skills.
Gregrey,
Good point about questioning and how to use it as a learning tool. Great way to help students to start thinking for themselves.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
