To get my students excited about the course content I try my best to relate the math concepts to how they apply in the real world and how they would apply to the students in the career fields they have chosen.
Just explain to them how important it is to learn , because that information is an important building block for the rest and give an example.
Any suggestions to a new instructor on how to get students excited about information thats not so exciting? Or ways to get students to remember this important information? I like the 10/2 rule to break it up and icebreakers. Any other suggestions?
Patricia,I do not believe money should be the main motivator or keep on telling them about how much money they will make. Because not everyone will have the same opportunities in life. Instead I tell them how it will change there lives and there futures with this being there first step and all the avenues they my take it.
Hi Robert,
I concur! Let's not motivate by making students feel inferior, let's motivate by making students feel superior.
Patricia
Hi Robert,
Super idea! I like how you spark their interest and try to accomodate them based on their expectations as well.
Patricia
Hi Dana,
Great combination is to have fun while learning. Jeopardy has really proven to be an excellent learning tool, and it is so much fun as well. Students really get into this game.
Patricia
Hi Joseph,
What do you typically do to get students excited about coure content? I generally mention their potential income for knowing the skill every oppotunity I can. Money is a great motivator.
Patricia
I generally start with introductions and a short survey. That is, I ask them what their expectations are. With this knowledge, I explain what the couse typically covers, and relate it to their expectations.
For example, if they came into the course expecting to learn about conduit bending, but conduit bending is not a part of the course. Then I might explain that they will learn how to wire a house using romex, and that in their next class they will be learning conduit bending. I might also offer to demo conduit bending in order to prepare them for the next class. Offering just enough flexibility to keep them engaged, and to demonstrate my willingness to accomodate their interests.
That sounds pretty good thanks for the tip.
I makeup a powerpoint that is based on Jeopardy. I break the class up into teams and they seem to really enjoy and learn from this.
I agree that students appreciate an instructor's real world experiences. However, in conveying them, the instructor must be careful not to allienate the students by making them feel inferior. Too often instructors use war stories as a way to suggest that the students are inferior, rather than to show good examples of what the students can have if they apply themselves.
An example might be a parent saying "back in my day, we had to walk five miles in the snow to get to school." Versus saying, "I know that it's uncomfortable standing at the end of the driveway waiting for the bus; what are some ways that we might make this more comfortable for you?"
I use examples of how this course can change their future and life for the better. Also the multiple opportunities they have awaiting them.
Hi Luis,
Learning Spanish period makes a student extremely marketable. I have found that bilingual (English/Spanish) students have unlimited employment opportunities. The employment opportunities provide a sense of great motivation and excitement.
Patricia
Teaching a second language (Spanish) is often seen as "a fun thing to know when going to Mexico" I like to refer to my students how much more important it is in their daily life, beyond being able to ask for the bathroom. For instance, those students in the medical field need to know how words mean (spelled the same way in both languages) have very different meanings.
Often, in prescription drugs, the label says:
"Take once daily"
A non English speaker (if Hispanic) could easily make a fatal mistake.
The word DAILY sounds / looks very similar to the word DIA (day)
The problem is the other key word ONCE, in English means ONE but in Spanish ONCE means ELEVEN.
The misunderstanding could be fatal depending on the prescription drug.
Hi Tara,
Absolutely! Negativity is contagious, and it should not be allowed in the classroom. Negativity can spoil the tone of the class.
Patricia
I totally agree ~ leave any negative vibes outside the classroom door. An upbeat and positive attitude is essential and sets the mood for the class.
Hi Mark,
I like how you really put this back on the student. I am sure you get some interesting feedback. Great way to generate a lot of excitement.
Patricia
Hi Linn,
Students love hearing one's practical experiences as they pertain to the subject matter. Great way to generate excitement.
Patricia
I give examples of the use of the information in everyday life. For traditional classes we talk about some field trips and different learning/teaching methods...ie powerpoints, group interaction, games, etc.
