Motivation
How do you motivate a student who work grave yard shifts and is too tired for class?
I have many student who work and attend school. I find they are more motivated than non working student. Mostly because they are older and have bills and other responsibilities. But if i see a student starting to glaze over I will ask then to take a walk for a few minutes to wake them up.
That is an excellent idea, that allows the student to focus on simple tasks like measuring and organizing their stations instead of being overwhelmed by the new lecture and demo information.
I also try to reference real-life situations during which they will also be required to work long hours like special events or weddings. Wedding wars from Top Chef is a good example and one that they are often familiar with.
Hi Courtney,
You have a very critical question. I'm not sure just how to respond to it. I do know in working with similar students the most effective reinforcers were those that show them how far they had come. Each little step was highlighted to keep them coming back another day. We also worked hard to help them maintain the vision that had of their future. It involved showing them things like the kind of home they would be able to live in, car they could drive, etc. Things that they could have if they completed the training.
Gary
I agree with Laura and I love the idea of encouraging food. My problem has been that some of my students are living in their cars or sometimes even in parks. How do we keep these students motivated for 11 long months?
Hi Laura,
I have run into this problem where I teach - i encourage my students to make sure they eat something before class. The students who push themselves all day or all night without eating are the ones (in my experience) that suffer the most. Even as adults they need to be reminded.
Most of them have forgotten how to take proper care of themselves.
Hi Jeff,
Real life experiences do enhance the perceived value of education. This is why the older students that are working, have families and are overloaded with responsibilities generally are the most dedicated students. They know what completing their education will do for them. In many cases their dedication rubs off on the younger students who are not as motivated nor dedicated.
Gary
I also find that the students who work are more motivated. They have a better understanding of the value of their education....ie..they make the most of the time they spend at school. I do occasionally have a student that has a scheduling conflict, but iot isn't often that I have one who is not motivated to learn. I have more issues with younger students who are right out of high school and have very little resonsibility outside of class.
I find that with certin classes I will let them prep 1st so that it get's them going right away, than lecture demo. right after lecture they are all preped & ready to rock on making thier product & do not need to get up to speed!I also use it on Mondays to get eneryone going after the weekend.
Hi Caren,
This is a common problem for most of us in career colleges. The less experienced students are in need of some support in order to see application to what they are learning and the results of effort when it comes to working. I have found that by pairing up experienced individuals with less experienced individuals that real growth occurs. There is the development of mutual respect and the understanding of why putting forth effort is rewarded through career growth.
Gary
I agree with Bruce. I often find that the students who are already working (either in the field or in another field) are motivated to learn and do the work. Although they are often tired, they are the ones that step up and tackle the challenges presented to them. I find that the students who do not have much experience with work (especially in such a physical field) are harder to motivate. Any suggestions?
Caren
Hi Laura,
Hard to but can be done through movement. Do short lectures and then move the students into groups, have them do demonstrations, and/or presentations. Anything that will get the blood flowing and the brain working.
Gary
Laura,
It's been my experience that students that work (any shift) are generally more motivated than students who do not hold a job. The problem with working late is they are tired. When I have a student who fits this mold, I try to get them physically involved i.e., helping with the demo, preparing their stations, etc.
Bruce
