Steve, I use a couple of different methods. sometimes I will take them out to do practical application on what they were just taught, that realy seems to be the best way , they actualy get to see dirrect resuslts that help pull everything together, and sometimes I take them to the lab area to give them a demonstration on what we were disscusing. the professionalism comes every day with the way we carry ourselves and enforce the regulations of the school, it also helps if you tell them once in a while that they indeed look like a professional and also act like one.
Right now, as so many others have already stated, I explain to them how learning the course material, particularly the hands-on lab exercises, will improve their marketability and wage earning potential in the field. I ask the students first what their idea of their own money making potential is (how much money do you expect to get paid once you enter the field?). Then I show them a real world example of how much money they can actually make if they learn to their full potential. The difference is a real eye opener for most of them! As far as professionalism is concerned, I explain the hiring practices of the employers they will be interviewing with, what they expect of their employees and how the policies and procedures we require the students to follow will help them when they finally do go to work. It's all about getting that job and keeping that job.
First by explaining what can happen for them if they are knowledgeable in an area once they enter into the real world and then by reminding them of what they have accomplished during their time spend learning.
Motivation can be a challenge in many cases. I follow with Jason's post. It is making expections real to the students and the the value of why.. what is in it for me. I also feel student should be aware they should step up and take more responsiblity for there learning.
I like to praise them with a job well done. Also challenge them in lab just as it will be on the job when out of school. Push them to there limits when it comes to understanding the components and there functions. I tell them they will be rewarded for there higher learning skills.
I tell my students that they will have family and friends that will be asking them to work on thier cars when they graduate, so the more they learn the better they be able to take care of thier problem. Most poeple want to do thier best to impress thier friends and family.
By raising the bar to another level that they don't think they can acheive alone, but in the end they do because they push themselves and so do I. Personal experience.
I find that giving them praise when they complete a task correctly works real well.Especially in lab,I will also give a recap to them/with them re-tracing there steps to further solidify their correct actions.If they made a mistake along the way,then we can discuss it then,so that they can go back and do it correctly,to experience it they proper way.I find this alot better addressed right away,rather than the next day when we review.I believe this motivates them ,because it shows them immediate response,and the students know they did a task correctly.
Student motivation can be a challenging task, I suggest to them that they notice the cars around them on the freeway every day on their way to school. As they learn the subject material they will notice vehicles around them that are in need of repair. I then point out to them how much money can be made doing those repairs. not many things are more relavant than money.
In our course they are told that i am the shop forman and they are now working for me and they are treated as such so if they get outa line or are late i will pull them aside and tell them what they need to work on or what ever the problem is, also they get a job reveiw every three weeks to tell them how they are doing this can be a good way to let them know they are doing well and keep up the good work or what areas they need to work on
I find one way to help motivate students is by explaining clear expectations to them on the first day. I then ask students individually what their goals are and what their expectations are.
In class each day I remind them how success in today's lectures and lab fit into their goals.
I tell them how valuable to be successful in this class is in attaining their goals.
Throughout the course I demonstrate professionalism to them by example, and reward them with praise for their accomplishments.
D. Allman
I start motivating my students on the very first day through the SOP’s that we review and into the day’s first lesson which happens to be on “Business Operations.”
During the SOP’s I set clear expectations of what is expected in the course and the behavior that will be allowed. They are informed that they are responsible for being an active participant in their training and to ask questions! I tell them that they are responsible for their lab projects / assignments (do not fall behind!). This responsibility is theirs alone. Same as flagging work in the dealership. No work documented and turned in = No paycheck. Not all work turned in by due date = low grade. I also encourage them to collaborate on lab projects or assignments, that way they will hear another persons perspectives and thoughts that they did not take into consideration at the time.
During the lessons they learn that the overall operation of a business is a team effort and it is necessary for everyone to give 101% to make the business operate smoothly and to make that business the number “ONE” place the customer wants to do business with. I keep students informed of their progress in the course by handing out reports showing their grades in class and lab. If one individual is up to date on their assignments and another is not then seeing his grade drop motivates them to get it done and turned the assignment in by the due date. I also research articles from newspapers and trade magazines to be used in class pertaining to a topic or relating to what is happening in their career field of choice as a means of motivating the students. This information supplements my field experience that I share with my students.
Motivation takes alot of different turns in a course, What motivates today may not work tomorrow. One constant I have found is the personal factor, how does this relate to my car or my dad's car? Why does my roomates car do this? Any time I can try to get the students to look up specs or information about the subject and thier own ride it seems to refocus them.
Inner action with the students one on one to see what they want to get from the class or expect to get from the class and material presented. Run an open forum style setting in the class to get input from the students. I also hold them accountable for their own work on an individual basis. Tell them if they do not do the labs themselves that they will fail the class. That holds them to higher standards that represents professionalism.Explain to them that this will not be an easy field to begin with and if it was they would have alot more compition.
Audie Toney
I get them up and moving I show them by example I am a very motivated person
To keep the students motivated in their course work we need to continue to update our learning and training as instructors so we can give the students the most current information and training. Presenting the material in the class using student led exercises keeps the students involved and the change of state in behavior keeps them challenged and awake. Using the lab vehicles to reinforce classroom teaching keeps them motivated while in lab and give them a hands on approach to their learning. It can also help improve the students professional behavior by holding them accountable to the tasks and the condition of the lab training aids/cars.
Hi Kerry,
Talk about relevant. Your students get to experience your knowledge with a very short time frame, meaning that day. This should get their attention.
Gary
Hi Kenneth,
The immediate use of newly acquired knowledge/skills is a great way to reinforce your students. You are showing and then letting them experience plus setting a standard for them to achieve. Way to go. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I have an active shop that I run as well as teaching at UTI so it really helps to talk about the real world day to day happenings that I face when dealing with customers and employees on a daily basis, I have found this really helps to motivate students and gives them a fresh perspective In stead of teaching something I did 15 years ago I’m teaching something I did this morning
Kerry
I like to challange them to achieve a goal that I set for the class, then explain to them that what they are doing in this class will effect their learning expierance for the futures they are planning.I set a criteria that can be attained with their total concentration and perticapation, and a little pat on the back and a little praise is also a constant motavation!!!
