Hi Callie,
Well said. You make a number of good points that set the stage for the student learning and engagement.
Gary
During my first days of teaching I noticed that when I offered praise or rewards for jobs well done, the other students in the class where motivated to do a good job so that they could receive praise and rewards.
you offer rewards, acknowlegdements when successful.recognitions,praise for a job well done.
Enjoying the love of learning is what makes us exceptional professors.
Yes, I totally agree. Positivity is containgeous, but the professor needs to be the one to set the example and model it.
Callie,
All great reminders! Thanks!
One way that I keep my students motivated is by doing fun activities that not only require the students to research topics or the area we are studying, I also then turn the activity into a competition between groups. I have noticed that the students will retain more of the information they are studying when they are competing with one another as well as they enjoy the topics much more.
First of all, you must be a model: you must be motivated and excited about the course if you expect your students to be!
Secondly, you must be organized, prepared, and masterful with the content you need to deliver. Your confidence will also translate to the students.
Lastly, you need to make learning fun if you hope to keep your students engaged, much less excited. Incorporating learning games is a great way to accomplish this.
This is very true, Gary. There also is a great joy in continuing in our own learning process while we teach others.
Having a positive spirit about the information presented, even though it may seem uninteresting at first, will motivate students to be interested. Setting the example of presenting the information in a positive light will help the students enjoy the course more.
Hi Prof. Phyllis,
You make a number of good suggestions on how to keep students engaged. Thanks for sharing them with us. The use of mentors is a great way to encourage, support and motivate students. Always like hearing that instructors are serving in this role.
Gary
Thank you to all who responded. As Stephanie suggested, maybe I just need to fake it 'til I make it. In any case, I'm okay with it as long as it's understood that being a cheerleader is more than just "rah,rah"; it encompasses general support and encouragement for the student. I can do that.
This is a particularly interesting challenge with the course that I teach, as it is an introductory course that some students feel is irrelevant to their degree program. I have found that it is important to demonstrate early on why the course is important to all of them. One way that I do this is to share how the course would have helped me out personally in my degree persuit and how I wish that the program had been available as opposed to having to learn it all on my own. I also watch for signs that a learner may be becoming disengaged from the class. If this is occuring, I can then take the learner aside to ask how things are and what they feel that they need. Acting as a mentor, seems to assure that all learners are motivated.
Prof. Phyllis
Being early to field questions, being excited about the subject matter for that day.Getting the students involved in the discussion.
Involving them in the learning process!
I try to give examples of how they will be using the information they are learning in their career. I also show that them that I am excited about the course and the material and I try to use different presentation techniques you that every class is a little different.
I teach math and motivation is critical to the success of many of my students. Unfortunatly, I see many students who come to class assuming that they cannot do it before they have even tried. I definitely don't have the perfect formula but I found that honesty mixed with optimism seems to work pretty well. When I am realistic and tell them that the course will be challenging but that they can do it, they not only see hope but also know what it takes to make that a reality.
It also helps to point out the things they are doing well, so they can see the progress they have made. By the end of the course they are usually in awe of what they have accomplished. And this is why I love teaching! :)
I am always correlating the information from the courses that I teach with examples from my professional career.
Ancedotal stories that are topic related, i.e. Bonneville stories in a performance class. Communicate the need for technicians with your particular skill set out in the field.
Hi Stephanie,
Thank you for these comments about how instructors can be supportive of students. You are right about many of the students that we serve needing someone in their corner.
Well said and good advice for all of us.
Gary
