How to get students motivated when they do not want to be in school?
This question is one that interests me and I will tell you why. I have some great students but once in awhile there is always one that you just can't get through to. They only are in school for reasons other than their education or advancing into a professional career. I try alot of different motivational games, tasks and just asking what could I do better. It is never the correct answer something is always wrong either they are sick,tired or they just don't care. Any suggestions? These are students that are about 17 to 32 years of age. Thank you. T.F.
Karoline,
I like this approach as well. I use it a lot in my classes with great student interaction and discussion.
Gary
I too have some of these students I have noticed that in my course of many different students that most of them do not have people that expect excellance out of them. They have always had people tell them that they aren't going to make it in anything they do. When I get these students I try to make sure I talk to them alone and be that person that has high expectations of them. I make sure that I also reassure them that they can reach these goals, and inform them as how to achieve them. I have found that in most people they want someone to please and they want someone to have expectations of them. If no one is able to give that to them then usually their own expectations are very low. Thats then when you start to get the excuses. I dont have gave to suggest or and quick fix. I just know that is my way of being able to get them to strive for something better. Some of the time it is not the subject being taught is the person learning it. A.T
I would recommend that you try to utilize some form of cooperative learning. The students when actively engaged in a "group" are accountable for a presentation to their peers, this provides them with an inceased self esteem level that usually will promote a sense of community and respect from their peers. I hope this has helped.
Beth,
It is sad when students aren't excited about their field of study or for some other reason are not in a career area that appeals to them. I would encourage them to talk with someone in Student Services and see if they can get some information about other career options. This way you are just being supportive and not pushing them any one direction.
Gary
I am relieved to know that I am not the only instructor who has trouble with motivating my students. I am a part time facility member and I too have wondered if it was OK to suggest to students to take some time off or possibly look toward another field of interest. This can be a sticky situation for some instructors. I am always worried about crossing the boundary lines of part time staff member and department director responsibilities.
Beth
Hi Dr. Gecewicz,
I don't think it is wrong at all. In this day and age of retention every effort should be made to retain students but if that isn't possible or they are not ready for school then they should step out. Sometimes such students forget that post-secondary education is voluntary. So they are there because they chose to be there so if they fail it is because they did not expend the effort or had the dedication to be successful at that time. Some time and maturity can bring them back ready to be students and then they will be successful.
Gary
Is it ever wrong to suggest to some students that they just may not be ready for school? We have students who are offered tutoring, one on one support, counseling, personal guidance, encouragement and as many resources as possible. Still,, they find reasons to be absent, to come late and leave early. It seems kinder to have a student step away for a while and return when he/she is really ready. I find that there often outside influences that hamper the ability to focus on school.
Dr. Sandy Gecewicz
Hi David,
This is a great way to earn their respect while establishing rapport with them. They see you as a caring authority figure that is there to help them be successful if they will put forth the effort.
Gary
Hi Theresa,
I want to commend you for the effort you have put forth to engage these students. I have had students like this over the years and I have tried my best to help get them involved in the course. I talk to them and lay out a plan for them to make it through the course. At the end of the conversation I tell them that I am there to support them and help them to be successful, but I emphasize that they have to put forth effort as well. If they don't it is at that point I focus on the remaining students that want to learn and be successful. I feel I have done my professional duty to extend support to the students but I will not let them damper my spirit nor excitement about my course and teaching. I treat them as I do all other students but if they don't participate then it rests with them and the consequences that come out of their lack of effort.
Gary
In certain cases I've found that I have to pull students aside and have a one-on-one conversation with them regarding why they are there, what are their goals, and find out what gets them excited. If we can form a mental link for them between their education and their goals, they're more likely to be responsive. They need to realize that getting that education will often play a major role in their ultimate lifestyle and happiness.
