I would like to simulate a work environment. I came from a publishing background where I could divide my class into a brainstorm session where we all take notes from our research on a topic. We could create a deadline and have a managing team to follow up on progress. A fun game of role playing. The students could apply note taking and managerial techniques given in class to their career after graduation.
Belinda,
Your last sentence says a lot about your course and your teaching dedication. Coming to class with excitement and enthusiasm makes for a lively class and engaged students. This is what learning should be about.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am always concerned about structuring my classroom so that students can see each other and support each other. I want to see the application of what students have learned. The assignments I give come with students being intricately involved. They love the format and seem to be more open and sharing during the class sessions. I support the discussions with posiive statements which provide an immediate source of feedback. Students come ready for the discussions with excitement and enthusiam.
Jessica,
Like this approach and incentive. You are helping them be successful by showing them how ongoing effort and preparation can and will pay off. Thanks for sharing this idea with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students are motivated when they can directly see the outcomes of their choices. For instance, I find that if I conduct a review for a test with the class as a group and they are able to perform in the review to a certain standard of accuracy, say 90%, I will give them a 5 point bonus on the actual test. That way students are encouraged to study throughout the semester as information is given to them rather than cramming the night before the test. I also find that by using scenarios where depending upon their choices, the patient's outcome is affected, allows them to see that they can positively or negatively affect another person.
Don,
Learning how to be neat and organized are two of the career skills that will over the years yield good results. As you say industry/business desires individuals that are able to project both of these attributes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One of the keys is be certain to present yourself as neat and organized. This will show through when compiling lists of information for documentation. I stress to my students that being organized is an attribute of success in the workforce.
I try my best to keep my room organized the best I can with what I got. I also address each student as Mr.,Ms. and Mrs. And acknowledge each student when they perform a well done task and if they don't coach them into doing a better job next time.
Matthew,
Yes, they do. Stories from the field always perk the students up. They start to make the connection between the content being taught and how it will be applied. This is an "ah ha" moment for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that by being knowledgable and enthusiastic about the subject matter and delivering conent in a way that is fun and easy to understand, helps keep students engaged and motivated.
Yes, I love sharing my "real life" work experience in the classroom. They love to hear these examples, and helps keep them in engaged.
-Matthew Schwartz
By demonstrating a positive attitude and excitement about the course they are teaching.
Zaneena,
Like your approach. I am sure it is a surprise to the students when they think about their bodies as being textbooks. By making this connection they will see the value of what is being taught and how they can apply this knowledge in settings outside of the classroom.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The student deserves a clean environment, well structured class with lesson plans, and opportunities to learn. Then it is the student's responsibilty to come to class prepared. Be ready to learn and put in the effort to master the knowledge and skills needed for his/her field
It is a "contract" between me and the student. The motivation has to come from within the student for lasting success. I do my part and the student then must complete his/her part of the contract.
As a Massage Therapy Instructor, specifically their Anatomy & Physiology, I also love to keep the students motivated by taking them away from the books and have them palpate the muscles and bones we are talking about. I try to reinforce the fact that they always have a study guide on them. This is true even with all of the body systems.
Laura,
If the instructor brings passion for the field and excitement about teaching about it to class each time it meets the students will be engaged. Excitement is catching so we need to share it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Some motivation techinques that can be used by career colleges are pratical life experiences and excitement about the field being taught.
Lori,
Like this approach because your helping them to use their life experiences to make application of newly acquired knowledge. This increases the retention of the new knowledge and integrates into their long term working memory.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Keeping students involved in discussions helps to keep them motivated. I ask them to share any pertinent situations with the class which allows them to realize that their past experiences will be able to allow them to make good choices in their future careers. By sharing the past with their present newly acquired skills, it motivates them to want to learn more to be able to have a better understanding of both their past and future experiences and the choices they will be able to make with their increased knowledge.
Lisa,
This is a very strong motivator for students. The influence that these graduates have is very high and the results are that the students start to see themselves as these graduates are and that is what the goal should be for having them come to class. I use them in my classes and the motivation and enthusiasm of my students for several weeks after is great.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
