Get them involved!
The more the students are involved with their own learning, the more they are motivated.
Michael, students do talk to each other either in person or through their social networks. The more positive experiences you create the more positive comments will be shared with their peers.
James Jackson
When you have the students involved with their education, it helps draw others in and more of the students will benifit from the learning process
I love this too.
I put this to use or try to everyday.
Since this is my 16th year teaching, it was not something I did some years ago. Looking back I'm so glad that I have gotten my students involved daily what a difference it has made.
Thanks
Darrell, fantastic use of simulation and role play. Active learning is a proven technique and has provided for a very high level of achieving student learning outcomes when used properly. Thanks for sharing and would like to hear from others what types of active learning are being used in the classroom.
James Jackson
As a vocational instructor, when we go to lab, I try to install the sense of ownership with my students, rather than just "turn them loose" to see how they fair, I contruct an enviroment that allows the student to take ownership of the project by having them perform their lab projects in a "simulated work enviroment" as opposed to just a "lab" setting.
My students get a "feel" for the "real world" they may experience after graduation. Sometimes it can be a harsh realization for them, they realize that it is much more than just learning the projects, it has to do with learning the associated skills that accompany the projects (staying organized during disassembly and reassembly, the nessessary paperwork that accompanies each project, being on time, providing all the correct information, what it takes to be a good employee). In some cases, I have "fired" a student because of their actions or even because of their "lack of action". Yes it can be a shock to the student to hear those words, but after discussion with the student, I have seen greater involvement, following the correct procedures, providing the correct and complete information as well as greater attention to detail than from before.
The harsh realization of the industry that I am in is that you are only as good as your last "job" and that there is always someone behind you to take your place.
So as my students progress through lab, I utilize the stronger students as "assistant instructors" to help "set the example" to the weaker students. Not only does this help the "assisting" student with retention of the information at hand but also provides for encouragement to the weaker student (sometimes the student doesn't want to hear it from the instructor but is more willing to listen to a fellow student "who got it".
Leah , building the bridges between the curriculum and the "real world" can assist students greatly in their "buy-in" of the course and even the curriculum. One technique I have used and have seen others use effectively is to compare many of the exercises in a class to brain function or to athletics. Much like a baseball player or other athlete needs to workout to condition their body to best perform in their sport, the brain needs to be conditioned to think creatively, critically, and to solve problems. All of these skills are required of most jobs today. Not every course is 100% relatable to a profession but every course has its place in preparing students to think creatively, critically and to solve problems.
James Jackson
I agree that various activities like role playing help motivation. I also like to use case studies, so my students can apply what they have learned to a real world scenario. I think that by showing the value of the education you are providing, intrinsic motivation will increase.
We do a lot of group work and often use role play. They tend to laugh and be silly but they have fun and learn and seem to stay motivated.
I agree with live scenerios, I find that students who relate the material to their own life events and step up and talk about it, are more likely to remember the material. It also seems to motivate them to continue studying.
I totally agree get the student to buy into their learning process and the rest of the class gets easy. I am just a score keeper they earn what they get.
glenn , live scenerios are great teaching tools. You can achieve higher performance when you combine the subject theory with the tactile actions surrounding the theory.
James Jackson
I have been doing this with our new ciriculum by having them help me with my demoes. The other day i was demoing how to make the pleats on the chinese potstickers and asked everyone to practice making some using wet paper towels as their stuffing which really got them inspired. At the end of class i had extra potsticker wrappers and allowed everyone to take some home to practice and the end result the next day was fantastic and had perfectly shaped potstickers, the cooking technique was another issue but with practice they will master the technique.
Esther, can you share some techniques you use to get your students involved? What were the results of your efforts? Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
Esther, rewards can be effective to a point but be careful not to give them a false sence of the real world. Rewards can come my means of earning a job offer, retaining your job when others around you are let go and by earning promotions which is one of the greatest rewards in our current economy. Ensure you are preparing them for what they will experience after school as well as rewards during their education.
James Jackson
always involve your students
you always want to motivate your students by challanging them with discussions and feedback.Also rewards
MARIE, what a great technique. Is there anything more you can share as to how you establish the rules of this exercise? Is there any training you provide to the students before their first "teaching" session?
James Jackson
Stephanie, be careful to always relate a student's perceived involvement with motivation as they are not always as linked as you may think. It is always good to work towards building relationships with your students and get to understand their root causes for their behaviors. Some of my best students and most successful after school had a reputation of being not involved and not motivated.
Regards,
James Jackson
I totally agree with you. I have my students take turn being the instructor the last 30 minutes of class. They have lots fun while I check for comprehension.
