Hi Sarah,
Good point and important one for instructional planning. Do what ever you can to show the students relevancy and application in relation to content being studied.
Gary
This may sound more like the young days of show and tell, however, the more hands on tools you use to teach with, better the learning process and less memorization. Makes learning fun!
Sarah Hildebrand
I agree with Joyce Brown, many students come from low income but, are looking for ways to get away from that scenario. I think it best to show that you have to have high expectations for your students, respect them, and be understanding. I tell them that I care and when one hits an accomplishment, we all applaude. After all, yes, encouragement will go a long way. And thanking them for allowing me to be in front of them also goes far.
Something I have trouble with for sure. We can't force interest or emotions upon anyone. If they don't care they don't care. However, maybe we can give them info on how a thorough understanding of the material may improve their lives, position, skills or pay. Then the interest and motivation comes from within themselves.
I believe one way to accomplish this is to show students how motivated and excited you are about the course. Even the dullest tasks can come alive when you're having fun doing them!
Hi Victoria,
Two words need to be a part of all instructional planning--application and relevancy. Your efforts are showing these words to your students. Students as you know really like it when their instructors share real world experiences with them.
Gary
I think making the students a part of the course by acutally incorporating "real world" situations into the course is the best way to motivate the student. If the student can see the transfer of knowledge and skills to the real world situation, I think that motivates that to know what they are learning isn't just theory and is acutally applicable to thier purpose for schooling.
Hi Kristyn,
Good strategies. You have a great blend of methods that will appeal to the different learning preferences of your students. These ideas will help to get the students involved in the learning process.
Gary
I find it difficult to motivate my students as well. I like how you stated that it takes the entire staff working together to make this more attainable, however, there are some cases where that is not possible either due to personal issues with instructors or timing concerns. Either way, motivating the students should be a top priority. Inside the classroom I like to involve them in lectures as much as possible. We are a hands on school however, that is not simply enough to keep them engaged and motivated. Give them things that they can build on during lecture so it does not turn into "naptime" for the class. Outside of the classroom I keep myself open and available for additional tutoring or even if for just to talk about issues that could be potentially holding them back. I offer resources if they need them so they can continue to come to class and finish their education.
Students will be motivated if they understand the lecture. Difficult Topics also I
make intresting by comparing to real world experiences. Each lecture is simple and informative so my students don't want to miss a class unless they have to.
Saroj Patel
Hi Kathy,
Good caution. Praise needs to be earned and given in relation to progress toward a goal. If not given this way as you mention it becomes of no value to anyone.
Gary
I think we need to be careful though, with how we word our praise. Heaping praise on every student daily begins to sound insincere and dilutes the effect. I try to find one THING my student has done that day to point out - praising the action, not the student. It SEEMS to make a difference to my students.
Hi Nancy,
So true. This is a concept all instructors need to remember as they work with students. Rapport is a powerful learning tool for both the students and the instructor.
Gary
Susan, do you keepyour lesson plan open or do you restate your topic?
I agree Joyce. I have similar problems in motivating students to do the work. I put the goals and objective on the table and remind them why they are there. When the get a little down I continue to motivate them with there goal. Everyone in the classroom is there for a reason.
Paying attention to what they need, asking them what they think about your classes.
Providing encouragement and support to students from the very beginning helps them to relax and enjoy the class. When students are anxious and nervous about a class, it can hinder their success. A lot of my students have been out of school for many years and the extra encouragement helps alleviate many of their fears.
By showing how excited you are about teaching the course,being prepared, coming to class early, demostrate more then one method in presenting the course, these are just a few of the ways that I try an motivate students to learn.
I agree but by the instructor encouraging them and making every effect in showing that you will not give up on the student, they try even harder in finding a way to do well in the course.
Hi Gail,
You are right about the value of learning the names of students quickly and using them often. One's name is the identity point for all other individuals so when it is used it show they are valued. The is a great asset to have as a teacher when the students know you value them and know them personally enough to know their names.
Gary
