I have sent students e-mails regarding test scores or grades to try to motivate them. I also try to give them "pep" talks especially if we are doing something hands on that the student is worried about.
Providing feedback is needed with students. It keeps them motivated and interested.
Lisa,
Yes, they do. They help the content to come alive and brings value to the course content in the minds of students. So keep sharing your stories and examples.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By encouraging them and telling them that what they are doing or did was a sign of professionalized and skilled person. By recognitions showing what a good job they did and
if possible to provide them certificates or extra points or credits.
Real life stories definitely motivate the students to learn so they can some day share stories of their own.
1. Midterm grades is always an eye opener for students. If they are doing badly I will have the student establish a stratgy to improve their grade.
2. I give all students my cell number and are only allowed to text me. This allows for great communitcation and I love texting pictures of their quiz/exam grades. They love it!
This topic has given me something to think about. In a psychology course that I teach a requirement is that they need to do a research paper and a powerpoint with presentation being optional on a topic of their choice. I am reconsidering giving student's options (let them build on their skill what they feel comfortable with). Give them a choice between a written paper, a poster presentation, or an oral presentation. Hopefully this will motive them as some students really get upset by the idea of a research paper even though I walk them through the steps.
Sherry,
I use graduates as guest speakers a lot in my classes for the reason you mention. When they share how the course content helped them to be successful in the workplace the current students get really excited and start to see more value to the course content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Motivation techniques include telling about your own experiences or inviting a previous student to talk or patient.
Nichole,
Four great items that all teachers should use with their students. Thanks for sharing this list with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Brittany,
You make a good point about the stickers. I have a saying "adults are just taller children". By this I mean that we can use many of the same methods of reinforcement that teachers of children use because we are all human. My adult students like snacks, stickers, pizza after they have done a good job with a project or quiz.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
1. Positive reinforcement – whether that is verbal or non-verbal
2. Energetic and engaging classes
3. Guest speakers
4. Respect and kindness
I have to say, I was surprised when I realized how excited my college students were about stickers on their tests! It sounds VERY juvenile, but they truly enjoy the little bit of shiny encouragement at the top of a test! I also send students positive emails when I see improvement in class and call out their achievements when possible.
Jaclyn,
I am a big fan of quotes like this. I think they make a real difference for students as well as encouraging instructors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Daily motivational quotes on the board.
Small rewards such as completion certificates.
Positive reinforcement during good performance.
Gina,
I like this format because it helps students to see where they are at and what they need to do to continue their success or change in order to be more successful. By doing it at mid point you are helping them have this information before it is too late to remedy.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
We do Mid Point evaluations so students can self reflect on current grades and attendnace.
Feedback is very important to student motivation and success. Having the opportunity to directly guide a student can impact their education immensely.
I like to tailor support for students by making as much time as possible to talk to them individually about their progress. I schedule conferences outside of class time, encourage students to use my office hours, and also - especially as exams loom or assignments fall due - I schedule time in class for student workshops - group feedback - and also in-class meetings (available during the in-class writing period).
Candy,
This type of reinforcement as you know really increases the value the students place on the course and how it is helping them move closer to their career goals. The real life stories show both application and relevance which increases student motivation and excitement.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
