Motivating all learners
I have only been instructing for a short time, but in that time I have learned a multitude. First, and foremost no matter what the students situation, they want to learn. They are not just there even if there attitudes sometimes seem that way. Next, show your human. Easier for me to say given my youth. Although that is one thing i utilize to my advantage. Lastly, be who you are. A lot of times as educators we lose sight of who we are. We become what we do. Students see that and there retention drops. These are just a few things that help motivate learners.
Melinda,
You are absolutely right. Being passionate and knowledgeable in your teaching has proven to be a great tool to my students. Keeping the students engaged in the learning process is the number one goal.
I COMPLETELY agree with this!
It is easy to see the student engagement around the units I feel passionate about increase. Its not that I try to be 'dis-engaged' around some units, but naturally, I get more excited about some units. When that happens, the student do as well too!
I motivate my students through liveliness and personal excitement, too. Contagious enthusiasm is my motto and methodology, and I have found it very effective. If students enjoy the learning experience and know that the instructor is enjoying and the experience too, retention, class evaluations, and application of learned skills go sky high!!
Hi Dan,
I agree that students generally will respond positively when an instructor displays passion about the class or subject matter. The passion is displayed in the way he/she acts in the classroom as well as how they might involve the students in classroom activities.
In my opinion some specific ways of motivating students would include:
• Provide feedback to students as to what they are doing both right and wrong in their assignments
• Create an open and positive atmosphere
• Create an environment wherein students feel valued as part of the learning community
• Tell students what they need to do to succeed in the course
• Vary teaching methods to awaken students involvement in the course
I try to "touch base" with each student, sometimes through email, to see how they are progressing. This is especially helpful to the "good" students who sometimes get overlooked, because we aren't worried about their progress.
Hi Angie,
Great point. Being human with your students gives them examples of how they can develop their own careers while maintaining the social and emotional aspects of their careers.
This also helps with the development of rapport with students which results in higher retention and success.
Gary
I agree that this makes you seem more human to the students. Over my teaching experience, I've found that it is extremely important to be able to laugh at yourself. I can't count the number of times I tripped over something, dropped something, said something that didn't make sense, etc! I also think it's important that the students know you're truly interested in them as people and want them to succeed. I try to show this by coming to class early, listening to student concerns, and valuing their opinions.
Jamie, I agree. I have (unfortunately!) many examples of mistakes I made in research during my undergraduate and graduate studies that I talk about during my library instruction classes. I think that makes me a little less imposing and a little easier for the students to identify with. I think (and I hope) it reassures them that I won't judge them or the questions they ask me. I hope that they realize that I am telling them that I care about their research and studies and want them to succeed, and avoid the same mistakes and will take advantage of the tools I am showing them to prevent those same mistakes.
I agree with Melinda. I've found that students respond in a positive way when passion about the subject is displayed. Using examples of what has worked professionally for myself or friends shows a real personal side that speaks in a unique and motivating way.
I totally agree with this. The times that I use "funny" mistakes I made at one point in my life in class my students listen and I am helping them remember that everyone makes mistakes. After making a mistake, you are extra careful not to repeat it in the future.
I think it is also important that students see instructors as human who do also make mistakes and, more importantly, learn from them. We have to do a lot of demonstrations on technique for our students and sometimes it helps students to hear stories of how I have made mistakes and grown because of it. It helps to motivate those that are struggling with the acquisition of skills to know that they are not alone in these tasks.
Hi Melinda,
Passion and excitement goes a long way in setting the stage for engaging students in the learning process. You are right on with your point about showing your students that you care about them and their success in the field.
Gary
Hi Cheri,
Great to hear about the great feedback you are getting from your students. It is obvious that you have rapport with your students and along with that comes respect which helps to establish a positive learning environment.
Gary
I have found that being passionate and knowledgeble about the subject matter motivates students to want to learn more and to ask questions. I may not always have the answers, but it shows they are thinking beyond the course material.
I have found that making myself human and available to the students is a great motivator. I try to make class fun and lively and "shake things up a bit" to keep them alert. I am getting great feedback from them so something seems to be working.
Hi Justice,
As a short time instructor you have learned a tremendous amount about how to "read" students and meet their needs. Your comments are right on target about how an instructor should relate to students.
Gary
