I have expressed the importance of how the information is paramount in the real world. As well as how this course would allow them to grow into their field faster.
Thomas,
Hay, bribery has worked for me for many years as a teacher. Students no matter their age like to eat so there is nothing wrong with using food to enhance learning. You are using a technique to engage the students in an area that they are not the most excited about and you are getting them interested. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Conveniently I teach the Advanced Pastry Techniques class so finding ways to get students excited is not always that difficult. When I mention that we are going to be analyzing the ingredient list of the Girl Scout's Samoas cookies and Thin Mints and then reproducing them ourselves based off of that information the students generally get pretty excited.
However, I also teach the Baking & Pastry class for the Culinary students. Generally these students have absolutely no interest in this subject since it is not their area of expertise. Many of them even hate Baking & Pastry. Luckily,their bias has no effect on the fact that they all LOVE to eat sweets. I will generally bring finished products with me to lectures and then reward the students with treats when they answer my lecture based questions correctly. Technically my method is...bribery?
I feel that you can motivate learners by first inquiring what it is they would be using your lessons for. This will allow you to give great examples that they can relate to, thus keeping them interested!
James,
You have an area to teach that generates a lot of anxiety that is for sure. The more you can make math real for the students the greater chance you are giving them to be successful. Good points on how to do this.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Frank,
Good attention getter. Students like to hear these types of stories because they reinforce what they are being taught in a realistic manner.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I teach math so I have to deal with a lot of students who come in afraid and thinking they will fail. I try to use a little humor and to create a relaxed, comfortable environment. I also tell them frequently that I know they can do it and they will succeed.
I teach in the automotive field and like to bring up a real life example of something that may have happened with a customer or while repairing a vehicle. Usually it is something comical or a customers baffled response. It starts a conversation, wakes everyone up and peaks their interest.
Frank Gardner
One way to motivate and excite learners about a course is to acknowledge their efforts to understand and apply the course concepts. For instance, instructors may provide several opportunities for learner feedback during lectures and discussions and openly praise/thank learners for contributing. Of course, the instructor should confirm and review correct responses to improve learner confidence.
Shikha,
I agree. If they can see relevance and make applications then it is going to be much easier to keep them engaged in the learning process throughout the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
In my opinion, one of the best ways to motivate students is to constantly provide them with the relevance of the subject and the topics studied in the class. This provide them with a motivation driven from inside- that is the desire to know. Another important thing to keep in mind is to present information through examples that the students find relevant and can easily identify with.
Eladia,
This is foundational to teaching and learning success. The more the students can feel comfortable and supported in their learning the more engaged they will be.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
LaDansa,
This is a great way to approach instruction. You are giving them application opportunities as they learn. They get to see why they are being taught the content and then how to use it. This helps to make their learning real and transferable.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Kiofa,
Great to hear that the information is helpful to you. I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Give frequent, early and positive feedback that supports students belieft that they can do well. Help students find personal meaning and value in the material. Also create an atmosphere that is open and posttive.
I have found that if you make the course deal with today's issue. I teach word processing. Each lesson is taught to help someone in the class to complete something. For example when we started to talk about references and APA style.
I had the students work on projects that was due for another class. We ork on the formatting and how to put a reference. Even the student who didn't have a project was interested because the next quarter they had a class that would require a project.
LaDansa
These comments have been very helpful. I have been having trouble motivating my students. I have a very small class and so I feel their absences more than they do. I wish they were as determined to learn my course information as I am to teach it. Very informative responses!
Frank,
Relevancy and application are the two key elements of instruction and you are giving your students both of them with this approach. This helps make the content come alive.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
WORKING IN MY CHOSEN FIELD, FOR 30 PLUS YEARS BEFORE ENTERING EDUCATION, GAVE ME AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE PERSONALITY AND INTEREST THAT IS REQUIRED IN THAT FIELD. IT HAS HELPED ME TO FIND A COMMON GROUND BETWEEN MOST OF MY STUDENT AND TO GUIDE THERE THOUGHTS TO THINGS THAT ARE FAMILIAR TO THEM. AN EXAMPLE IS ASKING A STUDENT ABOUT STARTING HIS CAR. WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT ELECTRIC STARTING SYSTEMS. HE HAS TO THINK ABOUT THE PROCESS OF PUTTING THE KEY IN A SWITCH, TURNING THAT KEY AND HAVING THE ENGINE COME TO LIFE. AT EACH STEP I BREAK DOWN THE PROCESS FURTHER AND GUIDE HIM THROUGH IT. THIS MAKES THE LECTURE A REAL PART OF HIS LIFE AND DRAWS HIM INTO THE TOPIC .
Kisha,
What are some ways you have found to draw out what the students are bringing to the class their life experiences? How do you integrate these life experiences into your instructional delivery? Thanks for you input on this.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
