Motivation
Students in my class are very motivated to do well. When they are coping with the overwhelming expectation of the school, it is true that they often think if all this work is worth it. My job as an instructor is to refocus them and acknowledge all the effort they have invested. Most of the time, the students just need someone to validate that what they are doing is the right thing to do. Therefore, it is very important to teach students coping techniques to help them through stressful times.
No question that motivation has a powerful role in our lives, Alexandra. It's natural enemy is fear. Fear can overcome motivation and lead to negative results.
I think that every human been needs motivation not only to accomplish big things, but also to accomplish and enjoy the small things and responsabilities of every day. I think motivation is one of the most inportant engine for all the students.
I suppose they drop out, Nuance. Are you okay with that?
What if that student does not want to be helped it was "mommy's" idea to be enrolled in school. they put no effort into anything they do and "we" as a school have exausted all efforts to keep them then what?
I try to motivate my students by taking a few minutes to laugh and joke. I encourage my students to have fun.... enjoy the journey.
I agree with Elizabeth Saiz thast motivation is a terrif tool in keeping students interested and focused.
I inform all students when they come into my office, everything which is stated and said between the student and myself is confidentiality. My students has a great rapport with me and they believe in me. We give each other respect in which suppose to be the case for them to be happy and continue their studies. But right is right and wrong is wrong. I play no favoritism toward students.
Christella, how do you make sure that your students feel comfortable venting and expressing negative things to you?
Loren Kroh
Please praise students as well as informing them that they must improve in their studies. They love it when you tell them 'Good job'.
Giving the students time to breathe after so much of activities and lecture for the day. Encourage students that they are important and that you are there for them to vent or express what negativity is going on in their head.
Motivation is a strong word for students who shows the instructors that they have a reason to be part of class. Each instructor should emphasize the importance of motivation to the students because it is what they make it and that it will be a reward at the end for competition in the medical field.
I agree too. To motivate only lecturing would not work. Some compliments, some rewards and a little more effort to help the student works. Who does not like to be appreciated for the work. Everyone does and it works too.
This is the other side of the problem heard more frequently: not being able to get students to do the work. It is true that working ahead can create frustration but I think most faculty would rather deal with that problem.
Loren Kroh
When my students are overwhelmed and stress out, I suggest that they take a little time to just breath and stop for a moment to clear their mind. I have some overachievers and they want to do their work right away but got frustrated when their work is not coming out the way it should be. Haste make waste, as they say. But giving them my support and understanding, letting them vent out, and acknowledging their work always make them realize that they are good students.
So true, Nathan. This is an important point to remember in the workplace as well.
Loren Kroh
Elizabeth, how about sharing some of the coping skills that you teach your students.
Loren Kroh
A simple 'thank you' or 'good job' goes a long way in validating ones efforts.
