By giving stories about what you did in life to bring you to your success ,things that went right and also things that went wrong how you managed to get back on the right track,by doing this you bring the human side and stay positive.
Just using life experiences can be very motivating.
with some of my student i find that after lecture and giving clarity of the subject matter , if i give the students lab time directly after lecture with the new information and allow what they have been taught in to practice as part of their learning experience, the percentage of learned concept is more obsorbed
I like to give immediate feedback and use encouraging language. It is also important to deliver instruction in an enthusiastic manner
I tend to always steer the student to the big picture of what their life will be like after they graduate and the rewards that will be coming. This tends to keep them going to see "the light at the end of the tunnel"
Once a student is given the opportunity to share an experience or situation the motivation can increase especially if the students in the class respond in a positive way. If as instructors we need to give every student that opportunity.
I motivate my students by being enthusiastic and making the learning environment fun and interesting. I try to include a variety of instructional materials: lectures, handouts, PowerPoints, relevant homework assignments, movies, and games. Guest speakers and field trips are also helpful in motivating students.
I teach students entering the veterinary technology field. As a result, I usually find that most, if not all, of the students have (or had) a pet that they relate to this field through. In emphasizing becoming a patient advocate, I try and have them share an experience from thier point of view as an owner (future customer) that they could now improve upon as a result of their education. I find this makes them highly motivated to learn the topic at hand.
I believe that the easiest way for career college instructors to motivate their students is by sharing their passion and excitement about the class subject and about nursing in general. This is how instructors can peak students' interest in the subject.
Great idea. I've added this to my list of things to improve on.
Hi Lakiesha,
Good points about how to influence your students and help them to see their future. If they don't see a future for themselves they aren't going to stay motivated during their college career.
Gary
What I tend to do with my students is to allow them to share where do they see themselves five years from now and encourage them to make a to-do-list base on their expectations. As an instructor I use little things to motivate the students; for example if one of my students will say that they see themself as a doctor I then will call them Dr, so they see themself as that doctor and continue to pursue that desire that he or she may have. There are other ways that we as instructor can motivate our students, but I believe it is the little things that we use can be effective in motivating our students.
Hi Colleen,
This is a critical skill that instructors need to develop. The ability to encourage and support students in their contributions to class even when they may be off course or incorrect in their answers. This method encourages them so they will keep coming back and contributing in the future.
Gary
I have been very lucky as most of my students have been self-motivated. Having said that, I have found that they were motivated in discussions by positive feedback on their comments. Even if what they were saying was not answering the question, or something they said was incorrect, I found that "guiding them" in the right direction, rather than outright correcting them, motivated them to contribute more to discussions.
Utilizing life experiences is an effective motivation technique. Former graduate speakers motivate current students.
a good, relevent story is a great way to get the student to engage in the topic of discussion.
I agree totally. Students love to share their life experiences with the class. This helps other students to understand the subject matter at hand and also helps the sharing student feel they are contributing to the class.
I think students find it very motivating when they are able reflect on personal experience. I like to challenge my students to go beyond what we talk about in class and have a chance in the followinf lecture to present new information from their own experience or that of a family member or friend.
Justin
Hi Gladys,
Right you are. This really helps to create both interest and application in the minds of the students. The more we can provide them with such stories the more relevancy they see in course content.
Gary
I have noticed students are motivated when they can see results. They want to know that they are getting it. If they are struggling they want to know how to get better. We must engage them but also be willing to guide them should they have trouble. I like to ask my student to submit a concerns and comment section every week. This allows me to see what they need and how I can help. Some students do not feel comfortable saying it in class but feel ok to write it down and give it to you.
