Motovation
Motivation. Without formal test what is the best way to convey to the student that they gained from lesson. The instructor may realize that the student progressed. The instructor may praise the student but the student does not have a feeling of personal accomplishment.
Hi Chad,
Using a pretest is a good way to see where the students are and where you need to focus your instruction. I wouldn't recommend using the same test (before and after) because the students will get frustrated if you do. You can ask about the same information just use two different approaches to do it.
Gary
What if you were to give a test before covering the topic then one after to show the students what they have learned? You might also get a read for how well you present the information.
Keep the first projects on hand to compare progress and SHOW ENCOURAGEMENT
I also teach many lab classes, and I find that this is an excellent forum for motivation. As my students progress through the term, I keep them informed of the progress they are making. I continually update their latest scores and show them how far they have progressed towards their goals. For those students who are doing well, I praise them through comments when I return their lab work. For those who are not doing well, I encourage them that they can accomplish their goals, and I offer supplementary material that they can practice outside of class. In addition, during the lab sessions, I walk around the room and praise the progress students are making as well as offer suggestions on what they might do to improve. I try to find something to praise each student for at least once during a week of instruction.
I also teach many lab classes. I find that this is a great environment for providing motivation. As my students progress through their class and increase their skill levels, I show them where they have been and how much they have progressed toward their final goal. I encourage those who are not progressing as well as they would like by giving them practice material and by continuing to remind them that they can master this skill. As I walk around the lab, I praise students who are doing well and give other students pointers on how they can improve. I try to praise each student for some success each week if not each day.
It sounds like you are giving positive feedback. Perhaps the student has insecurities as most do and the only thing that will help is experience. At some point they will receive a formal grade. Grades are good reinforcements. You can talk to them and ask what would make them feel as if they had met the expectations.
Hi John,
What are some strategies you have used successfully to remove some of the barriers to motivation for your students?
Gary
I like what Herzberg and Deming had to say about motivation. Most people are motivated but the system puts blocks in the way. The job of the manager/teacher or coach is to remove the barriers in the system.
Hi Robert,
Teaching lab classes gives you many great opportunities to work one on one with students. Also, you can go mini-demonstrations for small groups of students working in that section of the lab. By rotating throughout the lab you will have shared and interacted with all of the students which will help you in developing respect and rapport with each of them.
Gary
That's a great answer, but, I teach all lab classes. Do you have any advice for an instructor who does most of his/her teaching in a hands on environment/
Hi Arthur,
I have found that the assignments are the best way to show students how they have progressed. I write comments about their projects that show them how they have moved from this point to that point. Once they see the evidence in a concrete manner they realize that they really have learned something and that they are developing skills that will become a part of their future.
Gary
