Motivating students in an asynchronous environment
One of the issues that I encounter in every online class is getting students motivated to engage in the asynchronous environment. This would certainly cut down on late assignments and help to increase discussion and participation in the forums and on the boards.
What techniques have you used to motivate students? What seems to be most successful?
Aundrea,
These are such great strategies. You don't want to give them excuses; you want to provide them tools to help them be successful. Nice job
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I find that encouragement is synonymous with motivation for the students. I make it a point on day one and through the remainder of the course to remind the students that I am here to help them meet their goals. This takes the "shine" off of me and puts the "shine" on them. I also frequently tell them, "Do your best and be your best." This seems to help other students. Finally, when I see a student struggling, I typically have found the issue is not the subject matter or lack of understanding, but life circumstances. I make it a point to empathize (rather than sympathize) with their plight (spouse, children, work, etc.), but remind them that gaining their education is a commitment for a short period of time that has life-long benefits; gratification delayed is not gratification denied. This helps students a great deal, and keeps them focused on working toward the completion of their degree one class at a time.
Matthew,
You have made me rethink using a phone. I have typically not allowed phone communication as I have students who wanted to avoid the LMS completely. I am sure they are shocked to hear from you.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
This is a tough questions. One technique that has had success in the past is establishing voice contact with a particular student who is struggling. If I see that this student has not logged in, or he/she has been turning in sloppy work, I will give the student a call. Sometimes this is all they need, a personal call to show that you really care about them as a student and you are concerned about their work. Now, this does not always work; but more times than not, it really helps.
I also provide the students with extra point bonus for excellent work as well as for early submissions. Students love this! I always remind them though to take their time. The few points they will get from early submissions will most likely not offset the grade that accompanies rushed work.
Charles,
These are great strategies. You are not only creating a relationship with you and the students you are developing a community among the students. that is so important when we hear from students they feel so alone online.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I find that anwering the students with pertinent questions that relate to their experiences is motivating. I have each student introduce themselves and state their goals at the start of the course. I then refer to their introduction or goals throughout the course. Tying the content to the students experiences and goals helps to motivate them to participate.
Jorell,
Good point. Engaging students to talk about themselves can really fuel motivation and can often influence another student. It also creates that sense of community that can also help support a student when motivation runs low. This is a great way to do this in an online course.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hello Robin,
This is a good question. I have often wondered the same thing. I am very big on motivation. However; I have learned that motivation must first come from within. I can only fuel a person's motivation, not motivate them if they totally lack motivation.
One thing I often try to do is ask students why they are here? Why they chose to attend college at this time and in this field? This often gets them to thinking about something positive and I try to fuel that thought to motivate them further.
Jorell
Donald,
I agree with this when students are motivated in learning. If they really aren't motivated to learn then empowerment may not be obtainable.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The real question here is how to motivate people. I do it by making a simply stating my goal in life. My goal in life is to empower as many people as I can before I die. I do it one person at a time. I explain that I took on this goal when I was 56 years old. I state that I am a slow learner. I invite my students to take on this goal, for it is a noble goal, even though it is not a reachable goal. This is how I empower my students. If they take on the goal, they are motivated. It is as simple as that.
Garry,
Cool, another tool for the tool box. Do you train students to use the Socratic method. Many students are not comfortable with that method.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I often use the Socratic method through a variety of technologies including Vocaroo, Jing, and Voicethread. Voicethread in particular allows the student to engage the discussion asynchronously but with inflection through use of their voice rather than the often cold distance of the keyboard.
Robin ,
I make students responsible for leading a discussion. I have said before, students can lead the discussion and be responsible for engaging other students. They also become more aware of the need to be part of the group as everyone's grade is dependent on everyone else's.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
