I agree with Ms. Gallegos. Hands on teaching is always a good idea since many students learn this way. It is good to mix up the methods in order to reach as many students as possible. I like to Do a litte thought probing and participation type of activity, in addition to a mix of lecture and hands on. Story telling and pictures (PPT) are the methods that get the best response, in my experience. Of course it depends on the course and material being taught. As far as motivation, encouragement and support is essential. I think the students can tell when an instructor genuinely wishes them to succeed and is willing to help them get there.
To motivate learners I would incorporate as much hands on learning in my classroom as possible. It always make learning more exciting.
I can help my students become motivated and excited about my course by using various teaching styles to deliver the course material. Also, lecturing, technical applications, case studies, videos, guest speakers, games and technology can also be used to motivate and excite the students. In addition, demonstrating how the course content relates to the students personal or professional life/development in addition to providing positive feedback, encouragement and support will also help keep the students motivated and excited about the course.
I engage my students from the moment they walk in the classroom to the end of the sesssion. I discuss a topic that is relevant to the students. For instance, sometimes the students will address financial issues. I then ask questions that are relevant to their financial situations and what is affecting them at the present time. When others share the thoughts, you have a lively discussion which presents answers that the students might not have thought about.
I have done theory but mostly I work with the students on their practical skills. When checking on the hands on work, I love to ask theory questions to refresh what they've learned. I love the look on their faces when they realize they know the answer and why it's important!
I motivate my students by dividing the material into sections, and reviewing what they have accomplished at the end of each section.
Cindy,
Great plan for reaching your students. You are getting the job done for and with your students. This is what being an instructor is all about. Keep being enthusiastic--it drives the students to more engagement.
Gary
I'm enthusiastic, 'on stage' in the classroom. I tell a lot of stories to emphasize important points and we laugh a lot. Everyday several times a day I relate what ever we are doing to how they will be using it outside of the classroom. Answering the age old question "What's in it for me?" again and again.
Recognition rewards are also used for outstanding performance. (this is individualized)
I feel that positive reinforcement is a great way to keep students motivated.
I believe the course should have some practical application where the student can see that what they are actually learning will have some worth to what they want to do.
When taking a math class it is difficult to see the end result unless you are going to teach math or be an engineer. But when using computers you can have the students do hands on projects to show that it will help with their future in employment and personal life and possibly their children or family.
Luequiten,
What are some ways you have effective to keep students eager about coming to class? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
By making the class interesting and find other forms of learning to keep the student eager to come to class to learn.
Mary,
I like to use games in my classes as well. Your "Defend Your Code" game sounds like fun plus reinforcing what the students have learned. Thanks for sharing this idea with us.
Gary
I agree. Although I find it useful to get detailed every once in a while to show the advanced students how far they can take things.
Teaching CPT & ICD-9 coding can be very dry and boring. When I review coding practice assignments, I like to stress the fact that having the right answer is not necessarily what we want to accomplish in class. LEARNING from incorrect answers is much more important. I have my students play a game we call "Defend Your Code". This way they can explain the rationale behind their answer.
Kelly ,
This is what keeps me teaching. The "Ah-ha" moments are exciting for all instructors because this is why we are teachers in the first place. Good comments.
Gary
I teach a clinical course, so the students are beginning to learn the hands on application of their craft. I love to incorporate what they have learned along the way, into what they learned today. My favorite moment is when you see that light bulb, that may have been dim, light up because they have made the connection between the book and real life. That's when they become hungry for more!!!
I tell my students stories about experiences that I had in the field. These stories make the class more exciting. I, also, share information from the news as well.
Hi Amy,
Good point and one that we instructors need to remember as we plan and delivery out content. The students need to see the connection between the course now and their future.
Gary
I could not agree more. In the field that I teach in, it is impairative that the students understand the material and how it really is important because it directly relates to their future field of expertise.
