It seems that letting my passion about the subject I'm presenting show, even at the risk of coming off as Polly Anna, is the best way to ensure a baseline of motivation among students in a classroom. (If an instructor doesn't love the subject under discussion, who in the classroom will?)
Sharing sources I access to fuel my interest in a subject also seems effective. (E.g., websites, books, events,libraries, movies, etc.) This activity models an interest and can spark an interest in a subject beyond the parameters of formal assignments.
getting them involved in the delivery process, field trips, Q&As, breaking them into unfamilar groups and letting them see what it will be like in the field when they do not know or are not friendly with everyone
Once I sense they are understanding the content, I like to give examples of how they might use this information in the workplace.
Hi Carla,
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing them with us. Students, no matter their age like to be rewarded for doing something well. Your methods are great motivators for students to be successful and make learning progress.
Gary
Like many who have responded, I agree that one of the better motivators in my classroom is relating real-world examples including my personal examples. If you can connect the how and why - how something is done to the why we do it - student's start to get excited about applying their newly gained knowledge and skills.
I find that the best ways to motivate students about a specific topic is either showing them how the material learned manifests itself in every day real-world scenarios (i.e. provide an positive example of "why it's important to learn this"), or, in the case where the material is mainly theoretical (e.g. math) I would "disguise" the problems by presenting them as fun and challenging games/puzzles.
I like to share my personal experiences in the career area. Since I teach adults who also have work experience, I encourage my students to also share their experiences. By doing this, I have had many instances where the student commented that they better understand why the situation developed the way it did now that they have the information or knowledge they have gained in the class. When the student can relate textbook information to their real-world experiences, it becomes more real to them and they remain motivated.
I think if we ourselves are excited to teach them, then the students will be more open to being motivated. Telling them some of the experiences that have happened to you personally will also help.
talk about some of your experiences with the subject. Ask if any one has had exposure to the subject. Basically, get the classes talking and involved. Of course motivation is ongoing and constantaly requires upgrades.
Bringing "realia" and real world examples to class provides hands on learning and makes students aware of "what to expect." This also diminishes student anxiety and builds confidence.
I totally agree, Mary! I've seen instructors sit behind the desk with their elbows on it & practically lie on it. Great visual for the students, right?
Good idea! This is my 1st term teaching keyboarding, so I am definitely open to suggestions.
in the past, I have given examples of work I have done in the field. I like to impart that any person can be successful as long as you put forth the effort.
Teaching keyboarding can be a challenge because most of the students have been "typing" since elementary school. I have found that by bringing in an actual letter that I received with mistakes help them realize what a bad impression it gives.
I believe that verbally and nonverbally communicating personal passion for the subject at hand is one potentially effective way to motive students about a course. In addition, I think students are likely to be excited about course content when instructions make an intentionally effort to make course material relevant to the lives of students.
Instructor must be aware of the body language as well as the verbal communication.
As instructor it is our job to motivate and keep the class moving, being sure to cover all revelant material
The use of visual aides and and postive reinforcement in the form of postive feedback
Make things fun, exciting, & challenging for the students. Give them praise & encouragement every day. My specialty is putting stickers on every paper (yes, even adults love the stickers), whether the grade is good or not, & I write a personal note on each paper pointing out the positives. The students look forward to these "rewards".
First start by presenting the course material in a very positive manner. Allow the students to partipate in goal setting, individually and as a group. Set course objectives and discuss them with the students.
