I really try to keep myself interested. I think that if I can continue to present information to students in ways that keeps my attention even though I have taught it before, I have confidence that my students will sense this enthusiasm and be able to build off of my modeling.
There are many ways in which I can be a motivating instructor; it all depends what the student needs.
Sometimes just letting the student know that you will listen or that you believe in them makes all the difference in the world. Sometimes others may need a should rub while working on thier computer programs. Some just need positive feedback.
By, Edwardo Mojena
Take charge at beginning to set the pace within the students with goals and objectives with enthusiasm will help in keeping your students excited in their learning.
Differ in lectures. It's important to not be the same old boring instructor week after week.
Use prizes and extra credit. Even adult learners like suckers and gum.
One of the most important ways for me is to let them know they will get the necessary skills to build the stepping stones to get to where I am in our profession. They are encourages to be bold and enjoy the learning process so that they release their fears. I try to create and environment so that they can escape whatever is going on outside and have fun developing new skills. Showing animated enthusiasm has a wonderful impact on student.
Hi Melonie,
Mentoring is a major part of what we do as instructors. So we need to be aware of when and how we can encourage and support our students so they will remain in the program and continue to make progress toward their career goals.
Gary
You can be motivatiing by showing students their strong suits. It is always easier to point out the bad but by showing the student where they are excelling it allows them to see the bright side. No one is the best at everything but its great to know your strong suits and be able to build upon them. As a teacher it is your job to foster this and help it grow.
There are several ways to motivate students. Always be positive about the subject matter and demonstrate comparisons to real life situations whenever possible. Be reasonable with the amount of homework you assign and provide good review sessions to ensure the students do well on their tests. Never scold a student for a bad grade or make them feel like it's their fault. Remind them that the final grade is made up of a composite of tasks and that a couple bad grades won't make a lot of difference. Help them when they are struggling and recommend a tutor if you feel it would help. Always be supportive and compliment them when they've done well to develop a sense of pride and self satisfaction.
Hi Shelly,
Well said. Extending an attitude and support is a powerful factor for retention and success by students.
Gary
Some ways to be motivating as an instructor are to show students that you enjoy what you are teaching. I also think that giving students positive reinforcement helps to motivate them. Just let the student know that you believe in them and their ability.
Hi Donald,
This sounds like such an innovative and exciting way to teach stats. I am sure you had the students engaged in the process in spite of the opinions of your overseers. Congratulations on analyzing and adapting your instruction to meet the needs of your students.
Gary
Hi Mary,
I love hearing stories like this. I congratulate you on your life successes. You are an example and model that can be used by students to get their own motivation going when they start to get discouraged and tired about half way through the course.
Gary
As I have noted in other forums, I believe every class I teach is a performance. I am very type A regarding my performance and never want to fail. Hence each class session is an opportunity to excel and I do not want to disappoint. This is one thing that motivates me and hopefully others. Being a musician also gives me insight on stage presence. The message is important, but how one presents it via their "performance" is huge....the more interesting, real-life, and animated, the more likely it will be retained. A few years ago I was teaching an MBA statistics course...potential for a horribly dry 6 weeks. I analyzed my audience and found a bit of an off the wall way...it was during March Madness for the NCAA Mens Basketball tournament...I dropped about 1/2 of the book cases and instead we taught "bracketology"...how statistics could be used in determining who the participants were to be in each bracket...who had the best success potential, the best possible matchups using probability, regression analysis, etc. It was amazing how even the most non=basketball fans of the class suddenly were right in there doing the analysis and becoming excited...about a statistics course... while I got a bit of a stern consideration from my overseers, my student evals were through the roof and most importantly, they retained the knowledge with a newfound appreciation of how such an apparently mundane subject could enhance their lives....that was a fun one.
I am a Medical Billing and Coding instructor. I had the experience of re-entering school at a later time in my life and excelled in my field of study. Some of my older students see me as an inspiration to them when they start to doubt their abilities. I love holding myself out there as a role model to those that need to work but think that they may be too old to learn new things. I find learning exciting and hope that I pass it on.
Hi Gary,
Right you are. As an instructor you are trying to keep students focused and engaged while sharing content. You have to be at the top of your game each time you enter the classroom and this is why planning is so important.
Gary
Be an encouraging Instructor. As you encourage the students this will motivate the students to either continue, improve, or accept their efforts.
As an instructor you are an entertainer. Your students are tuned into you for a reason. They are looking for a presentation that allows them to enjoy the material pertinent to their wants and needs. Your class preparation includes the principles explained in this module, but for success to be realized as an educator, your personality must be the basis for success.
Show excitement, sincerity, compassion and a overall great attitude about being in class. Otherwise, you shouldn't be there!
Show excitement in the material I am teaching.
Be there for them when they need you to, be a good listener and have compassion. Enjoy the class and make teaching and learning fun. The more enjoyable the learning process is the more open you are with your students and the empathy you have for them the more motivated they will be to succeed not only in your class but in reaching their goals.
