I am intrisically movtivated by a genuine desire to help people. I feel a great attachment to my students and know that I want to help them in any way that I can.
I am extrinsically motivated by my student's performance, but this is not always a positive thing. Sometimes students don't do well, no matter how much effort I put into them. Those are the cases where it is easy for me to fall into a slump become less motivated. I can usually push through it, by reminding myself that I can't want the grade more than they do.
My classroom is a dental clinic with patient care. I want the dental residents and hygiene students to perform well with the specific procedures that I am teaching. The final sucessful treatment results are the reward for all. kerry hanson dds
Samuel, great post. Students can easily detect which instructors are passionate about the subject matter and them as individuals. They also remember which instructors are part of graduation ceremonies and tend to relate such information to their friends that are still in school or may be attending school in the near future. Keep up the great work.
James Jackson
Passion for the subject at hand and a quest for success are my intrinsic motivating factors. When one is passionate about what they do there is a sense of excitement that comes through the delivery of lectures and activities. Sharing real world examples of the information they are learning keeps the students excited.
Extrinsically, I am motivated by seeing the students walk across the stage at graduation. It is also rewarding to hear of the employment opportunities earned by the students. This is the ultimate reward because this is the reason why they came to school.
Robert, what are some of the measurements you take to know you are making a difference? Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
Christopher , well stated. There are much easier ways of making money outside of teaching and probably more profitable. For those that have teaching in our blood we teach because it is our passion and the financial rewards allow us to continue doing something we love.
James Jackson
Angela, students can easily identify true passion and such instructors tend to be much more successful versus those that are just going through the motions and collecting a pay check. Thanks for your passion within the classroom and for your students and keep up the great work.
James Jackson
Craig, just as good reviews from students can be positive motivation, do you perform any type of analysis on the negative comments with respect to any changes in your lesson plans or delivery methods?
James Jackson
Intrinsically, I feel good about what I do and that I am making a difference.
Extrinsically, I really like when I get positive feedback from students, other instructors and administration.
This response hit home for me. The intrisic rewards are incredible... as you strive to be the the best instructor you can be... for each class...each term...each year. Knowing that you may just given someone "a chance"! So extrisically money is cool but not everything. I need to feel like I do a good job everyday. The reward ends up being secondary.
I - I have great passion for what I teach, subject wise. I love to see the students "mirror" my expressions as I become excited about a topic.
E - I have been recognized and noticed for my class outcomes (quizzes, grades). My students tend to go onto good jobs or higher education because of my influence.
I believe that a good example of intrinsic motivation is knowing that you are helping a student to reach his or her goals. It's also great when you have developed a good relationship with the students when they ask to use you as a reference for a job.
The extrinsic motivation of being an instructor is provided in end-of-course reviews when the supervisor reads the reports. When the students give you great reviews, it demonstrates that you are a leading example of a good instructor.
Intrinsically: I love the industry I'm in and really enjoy teaching. I can't wait to teach my students a new technology or test procedure that will make them successful in the future.
Extrinsically: I enjoy the fact that my peers and supervisors tell me that I bring value to our program.
Intrinsically, I am motivated by my love of teaching and my enjoyment of sharing my knowledge of a great profession with others.
Extrinsically, I am motivated by a student internalizing a concept I have taught and then being able to competently apply that knowledge in a clinical setting.
Anthony, do you ever get into discussions with students to better understand their perceptions on such matters? Thanks for any feedback you can provide.
James Jackson
I agree completely, I always try to instill in my students from day 1, that the answer is not always what you think, it is more important to understand the sum of its parts. It's not about 2+2=4, It's about a+b=c. Conceptual understanding and critical thinking over memorization.
I feel giving a well-planned and enthusiastic lecture/demo/fun day of class is both intrinsic and extrinsic to me, personally. I hope my students look at is the same way. Understanding that the extrinsic part is knowledge and a great carrier. the Intrinsic part is the feeling of providing for their family.
Daniel, do any opportunities exist for you to share such concerns with your peer instructors? Looks like an overall team approach within your institution could go a long way towards achieving the best possible student outcomes.
James Jackson
Richard, your passion for teaching really comes through in your post. It is this type of passion that students recognize in their favorite instructors and also tends to yield the best outcomes in the way of student results. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
My internal motivation comes from having to learn things on my own. That drew me into the instructor field to share those hard lessons and make easier for the students.
External motivation comes from the light bulbs going on as I see students the graspkng the information being presented.
