I like that Fred, think it's something I'd like to incorporate. As a new instructor, one quarter only, but over 40 years in my profession, these tips and tools help me a lot. I also like the idea of 3 x 5 cards that someone shared in another section. I'd like to use them to gather the information so I can refer to them throughout the course to remind me of where the students were, what their priorities were/are at the beginning and if there was any change by mid quarter or at some other point in the quarter before the final few weeks.
Giving student applications of what we do in class to real life through my own experiences tends to get the students to pay attention, and will lead to additional interest and questions, which can lead into a new discussion.
I use student's visualization of reaching the goal-Graduation, as an effective motivation technique.
Effective motivation can be as simple as a smile or a thumbs up. However, it can get a lot more complex in different situations. I had a student a few years ago that was having trouble with time management so I stayed after class to help him create a time budget and re-prioritized school work so that it was the first thing he did when he got home from work and his grade went from a C- to an A in two weeks.
James,
This sharing is the foundation for student motivation as well as the development of rapport. Both contribute to student growth and career progress.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
We must remember that we are not only preparing these students but, we are sharing our experiences as well.
Hello everyone,
Motivational tips that I use are work or personal experiences that are course relevant so that student can see how they can apply their own experiences to the assignments. In addition, to sharing my experience, I also give positive feedback often that is consistent with their progress within the course.
Jennifer
Nancy,
Your approach takes their training to another level in my opinion. You are making it more than just the technical aspect of their training but the human aspect as well.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Practical examples of the Instructor's experience is a very powerful tool in the class room. Students want to know what to expect beyond the class room. Also, stories of how the instructor over come his/her difficulties in the work environment lends credibility to the content of the learned materials.
Instructors can use the following to motivate students: certificates, praise, recognitions, small tokens or awards, personal appreciation letters to students, and immediate and positive feedback.
1. know your students-- once again, students don't care how much you know until they know how much your care..
2. create a classroom environment where it's safe for your students to take the risks real learning involves-- encourage the kinds of failure that resuls in learning... discourage the kinds of behaviors that result in ridicule, humiliation, embarassment or fear.
3. know your subject,loveyour subject, be enthusiastic about your subject..
4. assess your students' progress consistently and persistently-- give prompt timely feedback on their progress
I use examples of pathologies that I have found in my patients, and try to stress that without my dedication to the patient, their cancers, etc may have been missed. I also remind them that the feeling of saving a life never goes away.
I do similar with Introduction. I also have each student discuss what brought them to this point and where they want to go. What is their goals/desires etc. Then, we discuss how the course will help them achieve these goals. The first day of class is an enjoyable time to build rapport.
Nicole,
Thank you for your comments. Your last statement says it all. Most valued is acknowledgment based upon achievements and growth. This drives motivation at a higher level because it is emotional in base and students can "feel" the value of what they are learning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Tim,
Good strategies that are resulting in positive outcomes for the students. This is a win win for everyone.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Coming from the management field, one of the keys to higher sales is having a dedicated, hard working staff. Employee motivation needs to stay high in order to ensure your staff remains dedicated and hard working. As a team leader, or, in my current profession, a Business Instructor, I must provide my staff/students with meaningful encouragement and praise. Praise doesn't just mean a salary raise or a 100% on a test every few weeks or months... It means acknowledging all achievements and imrpovements made by each individual.
Some of the techniques I use include: enthusiasm, clarity and expertise (I think), and a little bit of humor. I give praise publically in response to questions. I have also given 'bonus' points for various tasks, usually some-kind of group effort/game. I find that effective for reviewing for the final as it keeps all of the students engaged. Where possible I relate the information (Environmental Science) to local situations. So, although the may not 'use' the information I give them they can relate it to an area they have knowledge of. I have the students grade quizzes in class so they have immediate feedback and return their papers and post their grades online within a week.
I hadn't thought of a group quiz. I will try that in my next class. I do have my students exchange their quizzes and grade them. I have students read the question then what they think in the answer. I encourage discussion of disputed answers.
i always tell stories and use past experiences. I think it makes it more real.
Students are motivated through interactive discussion about life experiences and setting smart goals for the future.
