I always give real-world examples of every theoretical concept in the text
I encourage students to view our classroom as the place where they are free to explore their individual creativity. One way to do this is to free them from the distractions of daily stresses. This opens the way for creativity to flow as they focus on the future life they are working toward.
One of the most effective ways I utilize to motivate and excite students is to get them using their skills and knowledge as early as possible. The college where I teach has a "Service Learning" requirement, in which the students are required to do community service in their field of study. We have formed an excellent alliance with a local charitable organization and are very involved with their activities. This gives the students real-life hands-on experience that excites them about their new career.
Some of the ways I try to motivate them is to excite them about the subject at hand. By bringing in the information they have already been exposed to, as well as the information and skills from other classes (related directly or not),the more they can see how they effect an outcome or how they motivate an animal to live and thrive when sick or healthy, the more they are concerned and eager to learn!
Go in with a postive attitude every morning. Go in with a smile and be up beat every time you walk into your class.
if you have a bad experience in one class, do not allow it to carry into another class.
be there for your students and listen to what they have to say, each student is an individual, even though they might seem to have similar problems.
give them personal experiences - talking outside the books of teaching, helps the students grasp the idea of what you are trying to teach.
also, ask the students if they have any personal experiences.
I always give my students scenario's that they will be facing upon clinical, extern and once they graduate. I also encourage our students to attend the field trips that we have to tour the Operating Rooms. This includes observing surgery. This seems to really motivate them to focus on their classes.
Sharing experiences you have had in the field seems to get them more interested in the topic and look forward to growing and learning.
Students like discussion and hands-on, so staying away from too much lecture is critical. I like to "teach" from a student perspective, meaning, what would I want to know if I were a student.
Also, I think having students do a 10 minute lecture or demonstration about a specific topic is a good way to get them engaged and active.
I agree I find that hands on works really well with adult learners.
In one of the first posts someone listed motivating factors including fear. This concept is interesting, and I am wondering if in the long run fear cannot serve more as a barrier?
Best,
Martha Moore
Being motivated yourself. If you are excited about the subject, this will lead to their excitment. Have passion for what you are doing and they will feel this and take your lead.
Laura,
So true. At times these problems can become overwhelming and the students see no alternative but to quite school. Providing support as needed can help retain these students through the difficult times.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Adult students can be burdened by their personal responsibilities and problems. It is important to create a classroom culture that encourages them to focus on their goals.
Pat,
I like to use this method as well. I think it benefits everyone when active discussions and questioning sessions are held.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think the best way to motivate learners is to engage them directly. Don't let them sit in the back row and tune out. Ask them lots of questions, and listen to their answers, then give them feedback on what they said, pointing out its value even if you want to focus on something different.
This is a question I always ask myself. Of course it depends on my ability to keep the students interested.
I like to start off with creating a relaxing atmosphere. If I am stressed out from the day, then my students sense that and they also become a bit stressed.
I always give positive feedback.
I meet one on one with studemts that are not doing well. This seems to help a lot because they realize that I'm not just there to teach, I'm there to mentor them!
By starting off letting them know how much I loved my job as a medical assistant. Sharing my stories of on the job experiences with them which will give them a glimpse of what to look forward to when they finish.
Teaching in the Medical Assisting field I have learned that bringing in outside experience, examples is the biggest motivator in keeping them interested. The students really want to know what they should be expecting in the office once they have completed the program.
George,
I teach a required course for certification so I can appreciate your comments. I work hard to convince my students that there is value in what I am teaching to their professional development. It is fun to see them come around as the course progresses.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I teach an introduction to computers class, so I try to show each student that no matter if they like computers or not they are tools for success used in our modern society.
Allison,
Wow, that would wake me up knowing that someone was going to inject me with anesthesia. Talk about wanting to make sure I know how skilled they are as well as my own skill set before poking holes in each other. Great way to motivate them. Thanks for sharing this example.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
