Motivating Students
What methods do you use or will you use to keep your students motivated to achieve the required course goals? What do you or will you use to motivate them to achieve the required professionalism in the work environment they are entering?
Robert,
Both good strategies. Another motivator that works is to put the students into teams and have competitions. They really get into these activities plus it helps them learn how to work with others.
Gary
I will try anything to see if it works. One way is with food or maybe lunch. The other would be letting them know in the economic times that we are in now you really need to be at the top of your game.
On a day to day basis I believe talking about the real life workforce that they are striving to enter into is a big motivator. Talking about payscales and shopworks as well as the ability to always be make some sort of stable living with automotive knowledge will keep the "why am I doing this?" question answered and anxiety down.
Set the expectation bar high. Show them through the use of a syllabus and over view that there is light at the end of the tunnel. A fantastic letter grade is achievable. Set the example every chance you get. Always be early for class. Look professional. Follow through with expectations and discipline.
I will use encouragement and praise tell them they are doing a good job and if they keep it up they will succeed. On professionalism I like to lead and teach by my example. The way I conduct myself, the way I dress, the way I talk and listen and the way I follow rules and I will explain what they will run into in the field
Hi Daniel,
This is a part of the instructional process that I call "connecting the dots". The more you can show the students the application and relevancy to what you are teaching the more value they will associate with the course content.
Gary
By showing the importance of the information you are presenting to the students by using real life experiences, it will help them understand that you are giving them what they need to succeed in their chosen perfection.
I give them real examples of how they can apply the information not only on the job but in their personal life. Leading by example is the best motivator for professionalism there is.
I beleive that one of the primary objectives of teachers and instructors is to ensure that the material is prepared and delivered in an interesting and informative way. It is important to find techniques that will peak the quriosity and hunger in your students. Humor, questioning, demonstrations, stories of personal experiences and the potential to acheive your dreams are motivational and inspirational tools. Setting a good example in personal grooming and displaying a positive attitude as well as displaying an organized teaching environment greatly enhances the level of professionalism our students see and absorb.
i would use activities that they can apply as a group. i would also give them real life experiences coming directly from the field. and present to them in a spectrum they will comprehend.
Hi John,
Good way to bring the financial aspects of learning in this way. This should help to inspire them to learn the material and acquire the needed skills.
Gary
Since auto brakes are not very exciting I try to remind them of the importance of them and the money to be made in the field repairing brake systems.They also get to repair thier own brakes in lab
I give expectations and deadlines to what they are doing and i grade accordingly when deadlines are not met just like industry standards
Hi Joe,
This is why rapport is important to have with students. When you talk with them individually they respect what you are saying and get back into the game. If they don't they are not going to be successful in the course or their careers.
Gary
keeping my head up and eplain that skills learned here will not only make them money but give them a life long experince. showing the student that doing the job right the first time and learning that customer is the one that pays the paycheck. the little extras mean alot.
Here. Here. Most of our students don't take class seriously. Thier performance in the classroom directly impacts thier perfromace in lab and the field. Even after they see the results of thier performance in lab...sometimes they repeat the same mistake. I have found that a one on one discussion best helps this problem of motivation.
I let them know what we teach here at uti,is vital for them to succeed in the field.the core, automotive, and diesel training plus the professionalism that is stressed will help them become valuable.I constantly tell them we are building professionals one phase at a time.
I get the students interested in me and what I have to say first. Then I bring the importance of my class to their attention. I explain to them were and how they can use what they learn, and what could happen if they were not paying attention to what I was teaching them. Then I share why I am personally excited about my subject
I keep my students motivated by explaining what the "field" will demand them to know, more they know and apply to "real world" applications the more money and self satifaction they will get. I also explain that professionalism is how people preceive them and this will also help them to make money or the lack of money depending on their level of professionalism.
