How to motivate a student
If you have a student that is taking an online course because it's required and the only method in which it's taught, but this student is computer adverse and doesn't like computers, how do you keep them engaged and motivated to be an active participate in discussion posts?
Doris,
Well put. I agree that the design of the course assignments are extremely important in the motivation of the learner.
Herbert Brown III
Motivating a student should be done by adding real life scenarios within the classroom. This includes motivating and responses of feedback to online students. It is very important that the instructor gives frequent, early, positive feedback that supports students' beliefs that they can do well.
Lynn,
Ensuring the content in the course is real and relevant and ensuring the students have enough flexibility in assignments to apply course concepts to their own interest areas (as possible) will help motivate students in a course.
Herbert Brown III
This is an interesting issue. I think if you are clearly able to explain the deliverables, then the student knows what they need to work for. Then it is a matter of understanding how they get there with the tools that they have.
Lynn
That's so important. If they don't see the relevance, their success may be hindered.
Ramona,
I agree. I tell my education students all the time to make their lesson planning "Real and Relevant!" This ensures the students understand the real world applications of what they are learning as well as gives them the opportunity to personalize the content with their interests and background.
Herbert Brown III
Herbert,
Course design is critical to a student's success and applicable to their motivation levels. When designing content, it's important to keep it as relevant and realistic to the learner as possible. For example, if a learner needs to know how to create a budget in an Excel spreadsheet, than having an activity like this incorporated into the course (vs. just creating a spreadsheet using generic non-relevant content) really makes a difference.
Eleanor,
Interesting perspective regarding the computer communication skills. That is my area so I defintely agree with you. Just learning to learn online and communicate online will be important as many businesses training programs now have a very heavy "online" element to them.
Herbert Brown III
I think it helps to focus on the benefits of having computer "communication" skills in the worksforce. Regardless of the industry, being able to use a computer to communicate will be vital to their career. I also try to emphasize the larger picture, completing their degree, and this online class takes them one step closer to that goal.
Richard,
Motivation is very important for the students to be engaged in an online course. If we are careful to design our course assignments with enough openness to allow students to apply their interests to the content, they are much more likely to be motivated to complete it to their fullest potential.
Herbert Brown III
I find that the motivation of the student is really about what the student likes. I always try to talk to the student about things that they like, things that they are looking forward to in the classroom and things that they find relevant in their career path and it not only peaks their interest, but also motivates them to participate, especially if it feels like a conversation and not an assignment or a chore.
Ona,
There is obviously no easy way to do this. When students feel forced in to a delivery method that they don't like, it is hard to get them past it especially if they have problems with using computers. The best way I would suggest is to get them connected with the content and make sure your assignments are open enough that they can complete the assignments within their personal interests as they relate to the course content (if that is possible). Another way might be to work with them on an individual basis to help them through the course, even make a standing live session appointment with them each week where the two of you can talk about the weeks work and their progress. Anything to give them a personal connection they might not get otherwise in an online course.
Herbert Brown III
