I like the overall examples provided by Steven in this post. The suggestions listed do give relevant ideas that would assist in effectively reaching and motivating students. The addition of being "flexible and willing to adapt" is the key to any implementation of the other concepts. Identifying differences between the students and their needs is really what pulls the other strategies together.
An example of a motivational technique includes helping students to see the relelvance of course material to their life experiences.
One way to motivate students is show them examples and share experiences of the ways that the course content can be used effectively in the industry. When students can visualize a clear goal or product this tends to ignite their drive for achievement and success.
Marisela,
It seems all students like to hear stories from their instructors. I think it helps to make the content real for them. In addition, they learn that you have actually earned a living doing what you are teaching them. This is a surprise to many of them. They don't seem to realize that it is your experience that got you to the position of teaching.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I also give stories of personal experiences in the feild. When I don't have a good story for the material being covered, I find an inspirational video to show in class.
I motivate my students by telling them that the science they study in my class is all around them. I often explain things that they observe and may not understand completely, like why we yawn, or why licking ones lips may not be an effective moisturizing technique, or why our bodies sometimes do the oddest things to us. They like understanding the things that happen to them. It helps them relate to the material as well.
Carl,
Relevance and application are two words that career college students use a lot. We need to make sure our instructional planning and delivery covers both. Good point.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Lima,
Excitement, enthusiasm and passion are essential components in teaching. You are right about how important they are in getting students engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
you must connect the knowledge gained to the job that will be obtained. The pure pursuit of knowledge is not motivational to career students . they want to know how to do the job. many things that are taught are deeply imbedded and without showing the student where or how it will be used the student will not care too much about it.
Definitely know your content and be prepared to teach. Also be human and understand your students' needs. Things happen in life and be flexible for events that are out of your students control. Be enthused about your subject and field. Teach with life and passion. It is contagious. Be as clear as you can be while presenting and answering questions.
Instructors should commend if a student does well on a particaular assignment or exam. Especailly a good job is to do if the student struggled with the assignment and or exam material in past. Another way to motivate students is for instructors to make sure to tell students about acheiving the highest grades possible. THis could lead to graduating with honors or a possitive feeling of acheivement for the student
I utilize several techniques. I provide real life experiences and add a dash of humor in the mix. I also try to break things down into simpler terms and provide them with memory tricks to remember the concepts.
Lawrence,
Students like to hear stories about the career experiences that their instructors have had. Helps to make the content relevant to them. I commend you for being able to stand a top a 300' tower, I am shaky on my 30' ext. ladder.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Conveying my personal experience in attaining the knowledge I have, like serving in the U.S. Submarine Force, being a high-voltage lineman and standing atop a 300' windmill structure, creates an atmosphere of "I can do anything with this knowledge." Many students looking at one paticular career path have failed to consider the other options that exist with base skill sets, like understanding electrical theory or operating power tools. This then reinforces the decision they made to return to school by giving them a more secure outlook on their employability.
Jamie,
Real life experiences help to reinforce the content you are sharing with the students. They can see the relevance of the content with this approach.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I use my personal accoomplishments and experiences to motivate students. Having worked in the field for 10 years, I feel that my knowledge of the field helps to motivate students by sharing with them what they have to look forward to.
Lilia,
Stories like this help to make the content relevant to them and their career goals. They really perk up when they get to see that there is application to what is being taught.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Bobbi,
Students really like to solve problems or do case studies. The more you can use them the more engaged students will be. Thanks for sharing this strategy with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Jumana,
A good listening instructor is a very valuable resource when it comes to student success. They know you care about them and their success so they will share with you knowing you will listen. Then you can move them forward in terms of course content and progress.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree that sharing our experience in the field helps students understand why what they are learning is important and in turn motivates them to succeed.
