I exercise group activities when motivation begins to dwindle in the classroom. Exercises such as "What would you do if?", that allow each group to brainstorm ideas and then discuss their findings to the class. Another effective tool I utilize is storytelling,(recalling an experience from my personal work history that aligns with the objective being taught). This breaks up lecture into smaller sections were students have the opportunity to see concepts applied to real life senarios. It is important to mix it up on occasion to restore motivation in the classroom.
an important aspect of motivating the students is letting them see the light at the end of the tunnel,maybe visit medical offices where they are expected to be hired,do field trips to hospitals & clinics & meet real MA , talk to them & they could ask them about how they did in school.Have the students engage in class by using videos, showing them what important roles they would play in the community, show them means of how they would support their loves ones when they have good goals & careers.
Hannah,
Follow up with students that are absent is very important. They need to know as you said that someone cares about them and their success. Knowing this keeps many students coming to class when they have major disruptions going on in their lives.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree. Every time I get into chapters in lectures, I always bring of my own experiences in with it. I talk about the offices I have been in and the expectations,my personal mistakes,and and how I rose above those mistakes. It is always interesting to the students.
I think that instructors should take 'notice' of their students and show interest in them. For example, if students are noticed as absent for more than 3 days, the instructors should reach out to them to find out what is happening. This shows that the instructor cares. It is a way to build motivation to attend class and therefore may increase retention.
positive reinforcement, enthusiasm about the subject, expertise in the field and clarity in delivering the information.
Judy,
This is the way to do. You are setting the standard and serving as a role model for your students. This is a critical part of their professional development so the more they can observe you as a professional the more they will understand what a professional really is.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Getting to know the students, supporting the students, telling the students that they can "to it", and most of all listen to the students when they need to vent.
These are all important ways to motivate career college students.
At the beginning of the program I ask the students to map out their goals (both for their career and for how the new career can affect their personal lives) either in a picture or in writing. They can keep this map with them and refer back to it anytime during their program, it lets them track how far along the path they have come....
Some effective motivation techniques can be talking to the students about their short and long term career goals, having them describe their personal desires, and what their learning desires are for each class.
There is a huge percentage of students that also have to work while in school. I think listnening to what they are struggling through in a sence motivates them to do well so that they can better their situation.
I motivate by professional appearance, I dress like a nurse. I provide examples and allow students to share experiences. I always check for understanding and if needed, clarify, and/or change my method of instruction to simplify.
Jessica,
I like getting and using this information as well. It really helps me in making a connection with the students because I can pull up their life experiences and use them as a part of their success trail in the class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
During the first week I ask students about their background and why they chose my course. With the information I receive, I use it to show them how my course will benefit them in their goals. I also like to link all the current content to previous experiences within their lives. I believe that everyone has some knowledge about almost all subjects, even if we have to use examples from way back in their elementary school days. Those school expirements or activities give them some basis to start from.
Some examples of effective motivation techniques are showing enthusiasm towards your students. When student see that you are enthused about the class and the subject they will engage themselves and collaborate. This starts the learning process and students will retain more information when they are engage.
When an instructor makes the topic exciting it hold the student attention. When student are interested they will focus better which in turns allows them to retain more information.
Alfonso
Get to know the students and bring up to date materials and current information to the class.
motivation like using various materials in teaching like videos,visitors with experience in the knowledge, having excitement in proving to the students they are able to perform.
Karen,
Something we need to keep in mind as we present our course content. Students really like to hear about the experience their instructors have in their career field. It helps make the content relevant to them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Effective motivation techniques include success stories, mini achievements of the student, tell them that they can do anything they put thier mind to regardless of what people in thier lives tell them.
Good point that we need to remember as we are sharing our career experiences with our students.
