Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Jimmy,
You as a tough question because it is common with many students no matter what field they are in. I am amazed at the number of students that enroll in programs because they have nothing better to do or that the area looked interesting. To spend that much time and money on something that they are not totally solid on is sad.
What I try to do with students like this is to find some part of my field that interests them. For example, in the culinary arts area it may be the design aspect of food that interests them, for others the blend of tastes and flavors. Then I try to get them to see that they need the basic culinary skills in order to get to the point that they can do the food design work they want to do. They have to build a foundation before they can go to the next step.
The key word is "try". I am successful with some students and others never catch on. I am disappointed with these students but I know I did the best I could to encourage and support them.
Gary

Jimmy Wang CHEP

Great question! I have trouble motivating students as well. I teach at a culinary institute and I have many students who have told me that they're there purely because they didn't know what else to do and cooking seemed interesting. How do you motivate a student like that?

Debra Wynn

I think if you can bring PASSION for whatever the subject, you will encourage and motivate to accomplish any goal/objective.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Randy,
Having done equine dentistry for many years I understand where you are coming from. Students have to have the skills needed to float the teeth while understanding the theory behind why each procedure is done and the benefits from it. Good point!
Gary

Randy Riedinger

I use visual effects to motivate my students. I teach Equine Dentistry and in my classroom I have skulls with detachable teeth as well as video's of actual work that I do in the field for them to watch. It's not all book work. I think if the students can see examples of what they will be working with upon completion of the course, they are more apt to be excited about being in class.