It is important for students to know that whatever obstacles they are facing right now can be overcome. This is where my varied and colorful past comes into play. I went through what you are going through and I failed some and succeeded some just as they may and will do themselves. It is just important to let students know that this is a part of living and this is what is exciting about being life-long learners. I always like to tell them that there is always light at the end of the tunnel and that they can make it through.
This maybe true but adult learners know a little bit about the woders awaiting them, so the approach has to be a bit different in such a way that their lives will be changed in the way that they seek. Adult learners need the motivation to make those changes and that this educational step is the first in real positive change.
First and foremost you have to excite the learners of the material being taught. Secondly it is important for learners to feel the material being taught, not so much that they have to touch the material in a literal sense but in a way that the material is applicable and practical.
A very effective method is to treat the students with respect and realize that they have a life outside the classroom. Secondly as an instructor it is important to let the students know that you are also human with many of the same challenges in life.
Hi Gene,
Well said. There is nothing like success to build on to create more success. Students sometimes forget how much success they have had to get to your classroom. You are asking them to build on that success and create a vision for themselves that will enable them to see a clear career path in their future.
Gary
Hi James,
Great philosophy on education. I always like to hear another person's philosophy and see how they approach the classroom. You are dedicated and focused on helping your students but also are asking of them that they assume the responsibility of being students that are preparing themselves for a successful career. This is what education is all about.
Gary
Hi Jennifer,
It sounds like you have already talked with her about her attitude and work habits, correct? You may not be able to get her to be a part of the class. I would talk with her about leaving the class and enrolling in a career area that she has interest in because it is obvious that she is not interested in this area as evidenced by her behavior. In terms of her use of the phone, I would suggest that cell phones be banned from the class. I have my students put them out of site and on vibrate if they might have an emergency.
If encouragement doesn't work you have two choices, one let her continue her attitude and fail the course or have her leave the course.
Responsibility for learning always rests with the student and she has to assume that responsibility or she faces the consequences of her behavior. Don't beat yourself up because you can't reach her because she is bringing to class previous experiences and an attitude that she won't overcome to be successful. Do all you can and leave the consequences to her.
Gary
Hi Michael,
Your method of throwing out questions to help motivate and challenge students is a good idea. You mention that it builds both confidence and retention. Have you noticed an increase in student scores as a result of this strategy?
Gary
Keep it interesting, fun, use visuals and hands on material. A student just siiting and listening will wither out quickly!
Hi Kim,
What are some ways that you demonstrate your enthusiasm for your subject matter?
Gary
I like the idea of guest speakers. I bring them in as a pannel of prfessional Massage Therapist so the students can ask questions pertaning to the profession. My pannerl includes those that are independent, spa and clinical owners. This gives the students a diversity of opportunities to look at and decide where they may want to begin onced they graduate and get Licenced. The other idea that I use is taking the students on a fied trip to vist various business setting in the Massage Profession. They get a chance to see how spas and clinics and independent owners operate. This adds to the excitement and motivation to learn.
I noticed when I exhibit enthusiasm and passion for a particular subject matter or topic of interest, the students get more motivated in return.
I offer real world examples of the topics under study so that the class can relate the materials to their jobs, as appropriate since some topics tend to be boring and of little value.
The real world examples tend to motivate students to better understand the importance of these topics and why they really are important too.
One of my major thematic threads running through all of the courses that I teach is to help students understand that they can set themselves up for success. Introducing them to emotional intelligence and intuitive decision making, etc., reasonates well with many of them. When they know and feel that you want them to become successful and help them shape their plans to get what they want, they tend to become more positively involved in their lives and work in the classroom.
Agree with you, Robert. I enjoy using some of the stuff I use with clients that I consult with in the marketplace and simplify most of it and shorten it so that I can share it with my students. Discussion about what successful people do in the real world resonates well with most of my students. And they enjoy guest speakers and the Q&A that goes with it. And I also use some stuff I learn from my students to help my clients.
Telling them things that you have experienced in the field
I believe one of the ways is to be pasionate yourself about the subject matter you are teaching. If the student can see that you are excited about the subject matter it may rub off on them. Also your knowledge,experience and using personal examples or experiences in the teaching process helps. If you have a certain situation in the material you are teaching and you have a personal experience by using that it creates a validation of the material you are teaching. The students then have an application associated with material in the course you are teaching. Teaching Massage related courses and practicing in the field gives you alot of experiences to draw from Also I think it is important to let your students know tht you do not know everything and if a question comes up and you don't know the answer,don't make something up,be honest with them and say you don't know but will find the answer for them. this lets them know that you are human and are continuning to learn. It is an ever changing profession that I am in and you have to be up on it as much as possible. I believe we need to continue our growth as well and it reflects on our classes
I have a student who is either sitting through lectures and discussions with her head down on the desk or texting on her phone. If I call on her in class she will say she doesn't know and won't attempt to find an answer. We also have 2 hours of class each week doing hands-on lab activities. She will rush through the labs and then pack up her stuff and wait until the class is dismissed. Her grade is starting to suffer as a result of her lack of studying/participation.
The class is Parasitology so it is not the most exciting topic. I do use a lot of "gross" pictures to try and spice up the class up.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can motivate this student to participate/succeed in this class?
In labs or workshops, I like to throw out questions as if I were giving a quiz. My students like this because it is an informal way to motivate learning. Also it encourages conversations that can stimulate their lab experience, as well as build confidence and retention.
I can and often invite outside speakers to talk about thier experiences professionally and personally.
I give students the opportunity to lead the class which allows for a higher level of interactiveness.
