I agree that keeping the pace and not letting the lessons get bogged down in the technical details is a great approach. However, I also believe that in addition to finding your own approach to the subject, you need to present your students with the opportunity to apply the techniques you presented to them. I have found that this has been a successful motivator in my classes.
Terie,
Your last sentence says it all. They need to see relevancy if they are to attach value to what is being taught. I teach a required course and face the same challenges as you in terms of them see application of the content. When they do it is an "ah-ha" moment for everyone.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Brandy,
The more opportunity they have to use their newly acquired knowledge the more engaged they are going to be as you have seen with your students. They are seeing relevancy and application as a part of their educational development.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Deborah,
You make a number of good points about how to reach students. This is the foundation of rapport which leads to respect and as a result enhance learning. A win win for everyone.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Because I teach English Composition to healthcare students, I find that many are simply disinterested in the subject matter as a whole. Not only do they dislike it simply because of the name of the class, the very idea of writing seems to shut down their willingness to learn to write. I have found that the best way to motivate them is to allow them to choose what they are writing about. I have to interact with each student in a Q & A format during class and draw them into a conversation about what interests them, and this seems to motivate them enough to pick a topic and write about it with some enthusiasm. However, I have yet to find a way to make grammar fun! Because they are a more mature group, most of my students are also motivated by continued reminders that finally learning this skill will affect their communication skills with not only future co-workers, but also family and friends. It's all about showing just how relevant the subject matter is to their lives.
In the past, I've noticed one of the best ways to motivate students is to utilize hands-on activities. For instance, I teach a maternal-child class, we will do numerous activities which illustrate what we are learning, but it also makes the topic fun. We will do mock deliveries, assess hemorrhages, etc. They really seem to enjoy the activities and it enhances their learning.
I would absolutely agree with you. So many Career College students also come with a lot of personal baggage that makes motivating the difficult also. However, you have to find a personla link to how this education is going to effect them, their family, their children..... you really have to link into the personal connection and show them the big picture. I will ask questions regarding where do they see themselves after graduation, or how do they see their life improving. Demographics of a student base plays a huge roll in motivation also.
I think one of the best ways I've been able to get students motivated and excited about the coursework is to present the coursework as a real-world simulation of the kind of work they might be doing after they leave the program.
Even unrelated course material can be presented as a simulation of work scenarios typical to the program's field.
It can be a challenge at times to create those sorts of elaborate activities, but they really result in an engaged classroom.
i use real life examples of how my career field has been productive and engaging, not to mention opportunites for good salary and benefits. I emphasize the room for growth in my field.
I find if I show that I am enthusiaztic about the subject, it rubs off on the students. I think it shows that this subject is worth learning about
By associating the concepts from the class materials to real-world events, situations, and personal experiences. Also, at the beginning of a module, by breaking down the material into compenent parts and showing the students that the material they will have to learn is limited, giving them a light at the end of the tunnel and a sense of accomplishment when each component is completed.
By giving them examples of how the knowledge acquired in the class helped students to succeed in the workplace. How what you learn in the class applies to real life to help you improve your career. We can also motivate students by rewarding them with extra points for their grades if they exceed expectations of performance.We can also motivate them personal stories about our own careers on how the knowledge acquired from the course material helped us at the work place.
Ernest,
Good explanation of motivators. I think one of the challenges and enjoyments of teaching is finding that "what" and then getting it to work for you. This is the foundation of rapport development.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Different things motivate different people. I think that one of the keys is to develop a rapport with the student. As you get to know the student, you can often learn what motivates them- whether it be at that particular moment in time or something that has motivated them in the past. Often, you can sense an "excitement" that arises within them when they touch upon one of their motivators. Once I know the "what", I can try to incorporate that "what" into my motivation strategy. If that "what" happens to be something that motivates me, I can often use that to "connect" with the student which usually in and of itself tends to be a motivator.
Having students look up current events relating to your subject matter can help show them the transferability of the information and the real world application of the particular course.
I like to show students that what they learn during my class can be applied in the field/job front and how this would mean profits in terms of dollars for the students. In short, show them the value and usefulness of what they are learning and how they would benefit from the class as professionals in their careers.
I also motivate students by making them realize that can excel and get there depending on how driven they are. I give them examples of people like them who worked hard and made it big because they were motivated, focused and kept their eyes on the ball. I often show sports videos to show how athletes win because they are driven and never waver from their goals.
I use active discussions in class to moviate students, I also use outside examples fo what the benefits will be if they succeed in school. I let them know if I was able to learn this material they can too.
As a Registered Nurse, I interact with my students in a clinical setting. I share information about my past learning experiences and give examples of how nursing can evolve into many areas that they can pursue. I am always there to educate students about professionalism and knowledge that goes hand in hand with being a nurse. When students are interactive with me, I know that I am holding their interests and are enjoying their learning experiences and not feeling like it is "just another class".
You need to be excited about your course, about your school, and about your students. Excited can be infectious
Tangee,
Having students do a demonstration is a good way to get them to build their confidence both as communicators as well as content specialists. The more they can share the more they can see the value of what they are being taught.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
