I have the same issue as others, how to motivate the full time employed student. While I understand that relating class content to real world experiences creates that contact needed. What I think really works is when content is related to their world experience or frame of reference, not necessarily from our perspective.
That said, how do we get good at doing this?
Hi Monica,
I use games for review of content. I put the students into groups and they compete with each other. The students have fun, prepare for the quiz and take away the needed information.
Gary
The way I like to motivate my students is by relating to them and talking about personal experiences, and having them share similar situations in their own lives. I also use a lot of humor in my class. I find these to be two of my most effective teaching strategies. Do you have any additional advice? How do you motivate your students?
One way to really motivate learners is to help them realize how the information in the course is applicable to what they will be or are doing with their professional endeavors.
Hi Tina,
You have a well thought out and balanced plan for engaging your students in math. Sounds like a fun informative course that will be enjoyed and applied by students as they progress through the content.
Gary
In order to motivate students in a course without a direct application to a career, I must be enthusiastic and excited about the course. Every chance I get, I will show how mathematics and problem solving will apply to all areas of their life. Sometimes I will write a little mnemonic to help them remember key points. Finally, I like to use humor since I find that humor motivates everyone!
I beleive engaging the students with examples of how the information they learn in my class can be applied in future scenarios will keep them interested and wanting to learn more.
I have found the best way to motivate students is by showing them your excitement for education. I also like to share with my students that I have sat in the same seat in which they are now sitting. I understand the challenges of working, having a family, and undertaking college at the same time. I try to be a constant reminder that they can achieve success and it is all so worth while in the end.
I like to create in-class teams to work on problems. This way, they learning problem solving techniques, technology usage, and concept application. It's also a lot of fun.
Our school has the same challenges. Having 'clinics' to discuss time management and study skills, inviting guest speakers into class and taking field trips pertaining to the course helps motivate our students.
I teach a Career Course, so I find it beneficial to identify and discuss the student's goals and dreams and how their current career path choice will help them achieve the things that are most important to them. This can be done thru writing exercises, presentations or drawings.
Yes, I agree. A lecture, or demonstration with a personal connection on how it related to success in the industry is a great way to feed excitement. It gives students a complete understanding on how important the studies are, and assures the learner that they are on the right path, and are achieving the important skills needed to succeed in the professional world. This "real-world" experience in the classroom also gives great credibility to the instructor, and helps connect the material being studied to the actual skills needed in their chosen field.
A way you can help students to become more motivated about your course is to demonstrate or lecture from your own experience how this class or a similar class was effective in helping your achieve your professional goals.
Hi Robert,
I use learning teams as well. I think they help students to learn to work with one another just as they will when they are out in the work place.
Gary
I like to use a small team approach to hands on skills. Teams are 2 to 3 students and allows for some competition.
Share some success stories within the industry about the instructor, or of the instructor's peers, and associates. Enthusiasm is often highly contagious. A highly motivated instructor will greatly affect the students outlook on the course.
Keep things fresh, and add some variety to the content, and delivery.
Being there before the students and greeting them cheerfully as they come in is a first step. Secondly is to be prepaired and not fumbling around for thigs to get started.
I think the best way is to make sure that as an instructor we are excited. We need to be able to teach our subject material in a way that is exciting. We can also use current events to help students understand the material. Understanding material generally leads to excitement.
From my experience I have learned that the students want to do good and truly want to succeed in their schooling. I really try to congratulate them on their test scores and encourage them to do better. I have also found that class recognition really excites the students.
One way to keep students motivated, I believe, is to identify with them as people, not just as students. They need to know that we understand their struggle. It is a sacrifice for most of them to come to school. We need to constantly remind them that they are working towards a better future and that their hard work will pay off. We also need to praise them for their effort.
