Motivation
I totally embrace motivation via enthusiam. If students are fired up to learn because of intrinsic motivators, feel good about achieving goals, and have some fun in the process, then they will no doubt be successful in the course.
James, can you provide some specific examples of how you provide positive reinforcement? I am sure your suggestions will be of value to others reading this post.
James Jackson
I like to motivate my students with positive reinforcement.
Ronald, knowing such information can be used to build a better connection with students and build critical bridges to effective learning.
James Jackson
Generally I find out there interests hobbies etc.
Also where they see themselves in 5 or even 10 yrs. from now.
Rhonda, great exercise. Do you also incorporate any type of group discussions so students get to know more about each other?
James Jackson
AL, awesome use of peer groups. How do you accomplish this in a non threatening environment?
James Jackson
Theodore, very well stated. Nothing more I can add. : - )
James Jackson
Sonny, thanks for sharing your techniques. Can you share the results you have experienced since using this method?
James Jackson
I ask my students to tell me about themselves and tell me why they choose that carrer . Write me a mission statement along with short and long term goals.
One method of motivation I use in class (culinary) is we put out a buffet for other students in the program & they are given feedback not only from me as the instructor but also from their fellow students. It motivates them to put out a great product to get the good reviews from their peers.
I believe that all students have Intrinsic and Extrinsic motivation. They all want to successfully complete required tasks. They are all aware of the relationship between education and financial rewards. The roll of the instructor is to create an environment that will help the student achieve their goal. We have to create a non-threatening environment, provide clear directions, encourage students to ask questions and help them to successfully complete tasks. These are tasks that require teacher dedication.
I totally agree, especially when you have new students.
I also embrace motivation via enthusiasm with a twist. I like to give reachable goals to students based on their skill sets and mix them up. Therefore I would have several tasks they can achieve and students feel they are accomplishing something. Then, out of the blue, I would hit them with challenging tasks where it would take them research to achieve it. I use extra credit (I called them gravy points) for achieving very challenging tasks.
Ronald, what conversations do you have with your students on the first day of each class to get to know your students and and better understand their motivating factors?
James Jackson
When in the class for the first couple of days its difficult to identifiy how each student will receive motivation & how they receive it.
I agree! One method I use to keep students motivated is to ask them how they will apply what we are learning in the future. I ask them to use visualization as a technique to imagine themselves operating successfully at their future place of employment.
John, can you share some of your techniques that you use to get your students enthusiastic about your lesson plans? Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
