Yes, without passion and enthusiasm from the instructor, I believe the students would lack enthusiasm and passion about the subject themselves.
Motivating is the one area of teaching that is a constant challenge for all of us and technique has to vary. It is said u can lead a horse to water but u can't make him drink! the trick i guess is to try and make them thirsty.
Connie,
I like using these types as openings as well. I think they help to get the students on the same page and ready for the upcoming class session.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach in a career college with a diverse group of students. I have found that when I begin each class with a motivational quote, phrase, story, etc., it helps students realize that they can and will be successful.
Shannon,
This is a good way to personalize the content for the students. You are helping to get their goals and the course content together for them in their minds. This increases the value of the course as a result.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Martha,
As has been mentioned learning is often much like taking a drink out of a fire hose. So if we can break up the content flow in a way that enables the students to see both application and relevancy in the content then value is associated with the course. The projects you had them do did just that. In addition you gave them something to store in their long term memory that they can use in their careers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Autumn,
Passion for our field and enthusiasm for teaching our content are two components needed for instructional and student success. Your comments give a good picture of how and why this needs to be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
At the beginning of the quarter, I like to ask students what their ultimate goals are. When appropriate, I try to incorporate their specific interests into the lessons. This way, they can see how the class will help them in the long run.
I have gotten a lot of ideas from my colleagues. They have told me things they have done with their students. I had my students do a project and gave them some ideas and the direction to go in with it. We all had a lot of fun with it. They each brought in different projects to share. They all told me and still do I remember this from that project or someone elses project. It was a great motivatation to them to do something fun and learn from it and each other. It set the tone of my class because it was one of the first real assignments they had.
I definitely agree!! If we, as instructors, are really excited about our subjects it is hard for students not to see this and become more motivated. We have to understand that some students are going to be more motivated than others about different subjects and about school in general, that being said we still have to stay positive and continue to try to excite the students who are the toughest. Those are the biggest payoffs, if you can turn those students around they will become the biggest motivators.
James,
Passion for your field and enthusiasm for teaching about it are two essentials that instructors need to have. Good point. Thank you for reminding us once again how we need to approach our classrooms and labs.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe that when I am passionate about my subject area, it makes for an easy transfer for my students to do the same thing. I've had instructors that are excited about their field. (Those who go out of their way to teach you) and have had those who treat it like a part of routine life, not enthused, and almost "punching in the clock for the day."
I believe that when my mindset is such where I will learn from my students as well, this helps keep both sides motivated.
Kali,
Your energy will generate energy in students leading to increased motivation and engagement.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Bring energy and excitment yourself to the course. Also show students early on how what their learning applies to in real life.
Katie,
This is a great way to get students engaged in the learning process. You are connecting the dots for them between the content you are offering and their future career. This brings value to the course for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I motivate students by starting class off with new or interesting information about their future profession. I try to introduce new techniques, research, or interesting articles. Students get excited when they see that they are on the forefront of their field.
Regina,
You make a good point about helping students to see the value of the course they are taking. This is an important part of their education. They need to see relevancy and application in what they are learning and how they can use it in their career in the future. This is when motivation gets going.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
There are a number of way to help students become motivated and excited about any course. One must first show the students how this course is practical to everyday life. Most students need to understand that there is a connection in the material that is being studied. The student is also motivated by the level of intensity that is displayed with sharing your knowledge content of the course to them. They want to see that this excites you as well. Showing the student that you care is very important to motivate students.
Stephen,
This is such an important part of the educational process. Students need to be able to see value related to what is being taught and how it can help them achieve their career goals. When they do the WIIFM concept kicks in big time.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I pull students into discussion to reveal their expertise. By allowing them to "share" and demonstrate their expertise, I find that students achieve peer aproval and individual recognition. This further develops "envy" in others; envy is a double-edged sword.
Secondly, I show industrial reports on future earnings for their choosen profession. This answers the nagging question in all my students mind ... What's in it for me? Is this worth the effort?
