Motivation outside the classroom
I've had a few students in my classrooms that are great when they're *in* class, and pretty good about coming to class, but fall behind on assignments because they won't do homework.
One even told me that he wouldn't do any because when he's home, it's his time with his family. I want to empathize, I really do, but I have other students (also with families) who make great efforts to get their work done - staying up into the night after their children have gone to sleep.
And to a certain extent, I understand. I'm not always motivated to do my grading once I'm home, either. But, this is college! He drew a firm line in the sand - that he would not do work outside the class. As a result, he didn't pass, even though he was very bright and capable. When a student draws such a firm line, how can we get them to compromise?
I think this is a good point to bring up. While we know students have a life outside of school, they still are met with fulfilling requirements of the course. I do believe that an understanding has to take place where a student realizes that yes things do happen, but other students are getting it done. As you've stated.
The majority of the projects for my classes are done outside classtime. They are cumulative -If they don't produce the work - they fall behind the classroom stuff
Andrea,
I teach gen ed courses as well so I can relate to your comments. They have to pass my courses in order to get their state certificates. I have to work really hard to convince my students that there is value in what I am teaching. Have developed some fun activities, case studies and small group projects that help them to see application of the content beyond the classroom.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach general education classes at my career college - no one *wants* to take my classes, but they're all required to do so. As such, it's always quite an uphill battle. :)
Perhaps he was in the class for the wrong reasons. Perhaps it was not that important. Sometimes students do not have the correct attitude for being at school, that is when it is great to sit and ask other instructors how they would handle the situation. Try different avenues to try and motivate them. In the end remembering that we can only do so much to help motivate them to reach their goals.
Andrea,
I would say that you continue using the approach that you are using now. You are showing them the value of what you are teaching and the homework that you require. They need to understand why the homework is being assigned and why it needs to be completed. If they chose not to do it, like this student did then he has chosen not to be successful in the course. Success to a major extent rests upon personal choices students make and as a result they have to live with the consequences.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
