Student motivation
This takes creativity on the insturctor's part but also requires the attention of the student; finding the correct "tools" ensures all students can be motivated
Hi Michelle,
I use both of these techniques with great results. My students are like yours in that they really get excited when they get to listen to one of their own talk about what it was like when they were students and the success they have enjoyed since.
Being on-site really gets them motivated because they can see themselves in at situation in the near future.
Gary
when I have guest speaker to visit the students to come in and share their life experience with the students. It's nice when the guest speaker love what they do the students ask alot of guestions and It gives the students something to look forward to. I also take the students on field trips that really motivate the students.
Hi Virginia,
Thanks for mentioning Jeopardy. I use this game a lot with my classes and my students love it. It really gets them excited about being able to answer the questions and "win" points for their team.
Gary
Whenever I start class and give objectives, I use such terms as "exciting" and "interesting"--knowledge (expertise) that they will be able to use "the next day in the clinical setting for care of their residents."
Jeopardy for learning--with teams and captains of the teams--and recorders to keep score--and prizes. Students have so much fun with this and reallly recall the material.
Student motivation is the key to their success, if they remain motivated they will keep learning.
When I start a class I always try to ask the students what they like to do. What ways of learning do they prefer. I try to incorporate those tools in class everyday.
You need to try new creative "games" that get the students excited about really learning the material.
Definately does take some creative thinking on the instructors part but also a minimum amount of interest on the student's part too.. I find that showing students how what they are learning today can be applied to real life and how it is bringing them closer to being a "trained proffessional" can be a big motivator, also if they see it as bringing them one step closer to their goal. How to best do that? Like you said..creativity!!
