Some ways to help students become motivated about the course is to continue to encourage them. Also help them to see positive progress they are making. Show them how to use the new information they are learning in their daily life. Student like to see that what they are learning can be used in the real world.
Hi Judith,
In addition to the use of guest speakers and case studies I have the students do interviews. I have the students talk with someone that has been through the program and has experienced success in their career field. Talking with such individuals really motivates students because the conversation is one on one so the students make it personal to themselves.
Gary
Hi Bonnie,
So true and so important! They need support if they are to continue being students and making progress toward their career goals. The human factor needs to be considered as we work with these students.
Gary
I believe that having Professionals in the field of study who have overcome certain challenges come to the classroom as guest speakers. This gives students the sense that they too, can overcome and it may open the door for Q & A to occur which will be helpful to all in the classroom.
Dr. Meers, what are some ways that you have motivated students in the past in reference to this method of teaching to motivate?
I also just began using the Clickerz in my classroom last month. My students really enjoyed them. For those who have not had the opportunity, they are basically an audience response type system that allows the students to be active participants in lectures and discussions. They are quite easy to use, but do take a little time up front for the first time you use each presentation. The presentations can be saved and used again, similar to a power point.
Excellent point! I never thought about how many of our students are single parents, or just don't have anyone at home giving them encouragement and support. That makes it even more improtant that we provide that for them.
I am a fairly new instructor, but I agree with what you are saying. I often use the clinical applications in our textbooks as discussion starters in the classroom. This seems to help the students stay excited about why they need to know the material and how they will eventually use it to perform their jobs. Usually about half way through a course I also have them review their syllabus and take note of all the things they have learned so far in the course. By doing this again at the end of the course they are usually quite surprised, and proud, to reflect back on their progress.
Hi Jennifer,
If you can bring people from their career fields in to talk to your class you can generate excitement about your content. By seeing the application of your content to their field they start to have the light come on. You may have so many different fields that you can only have a few speakers in but these examples will apply to all fields so you should still be able to ramp them up to study for their exams.
Gary
Thanks for your advice. I will try to bring in some case studies. One last question, I have decided to try a three, rather than midterm/final examinations schedule. My hope is to break down the material a bit more so it is easier to comprehend and study for the exam. But how do I really get these students to study the material when they view general education class as non-important!
Thanks for the advice. I would categorize myself as an enthusiastic instructor. I have the privilege of loving what I teach and I think this rub off on even the most "bored" student. I will keep upbeat!
Hi James,
Great point. Successful learning depends on the instructor to set the stage for students to be receptive to the content and to make application of it. I have had such instructors myself and I valued having the opportunity to study with them even though the course itself wasn't one that I would have chosen to take.
Gary
Hi Jennifer,
You are doing some very good things to keep the students engaged. If you can bring specific examples, problems, case studies from their different fields this generally helps them to see the value of your course. I teach two such courses so I know the challenges you are talking about. I have found that when they see application and relevancy to their own field they really perk up. I do it in a small group format of generally 3-5 students.
Gary
When I have been in a formal learning environment, maybe in a course that was not that interesting to me, I found that I was motivated by the enthusiasm the instructor had for his/her subject. So I have always tried to find ways motivate myself about a specific topic or teach classes that I am very enthusiastic about.
Keeping students motivated in a course that is not their “core†area is a trick. I continually move about the classroom, which keeps individuals alert. They need to be alert, I want them to learn and think. I discuss their other course-work and projects, what they do in their core classes versus general education classes. Genuine interest and concern seems to always have positive results.
Though organized in terms of lecture, I allow open discussion and debate.
What are other techniques to keep the students engaged in discussion? Small group size?
Show enthusiasm about what you are teaching and get the students involved in their own learning.
I feel a positive attitude and showing that you are very enthusiastic and passionate about what you are teaching the students will motivate them and create a positive attitude and an enthusiastic student
Hi Mahnaz,
This is a key point in terms helping students be successful. You are right about needing to know them so you can target your support.
Gary
I beleive different people are motivated differently. As an instructor one should get to know her/his students.
Providing positive reinforcements/remarks frequently can be a great motivator. Instructors sharing their experiences can also be another motivator since students can see that their hard work will pay off.
Hi Jeff,
So important to help students see they can be successful. It is great that you have the ability to instill within them the success factor. By them feeling they can be successful their confidence will help them to be successful since they have a supportive instructor like you. Keep up the impact you are having on the lives of your students.
Gary
I think that showing the students that they CAN succeed is critical. Many of our adult students have been told that "they can't" their entire life. I believe that I function as more of a coach, mentor and cheerleader than anything else. The good news is that a great many of our students have been needing this sort of thing for a long time and I seem to have the gift of providing it for them. In short, I think that you have to love your students and they will respond with performance.
