Motivation
To motivate students I build their self esteem. You make them proud of what they are accomplishing and the decision to improve their lives.
Most student had never experienced what it is to have an instructor who motivated them towards their success . When they do experience this for the first time I agree the become highly motivated.
Hi Scott,
My personal experience with older students is that they come with a high degree of motivation due to the fact they decided to come back to school at all.
They want the training and content and are ready to do what it takes to get prepared. They do need reinforcement that they are capable of doing the work and that they will be successful "competing" with younger students. Once they know they can be successful they hone their academic skills and are ready to go.
Gary
Is it more difficult to motivate older students?
Hi Jack,
One of the keys to motivating students as they are getting started in a course is to help them realize what the end goal really is for them. That is they must take the courses goal(s) and personalize them. Hearing about and from previous successes (students) is one of those motivators. Students like to hear that a student was able to achieve success after they completed their training at a the school. It helps to make it real for them. Share with your students these examples.
Gary
Do you find it inspiring to discuss previous students success to motivated a new class? Do you tell the students that you appreciate their commitment to themselve and the school in striving to makes in their lives?
I help the students understand that the time spent bettering themselves here will not only create a quality future for themselves but also a quality future for their spouse and children. This is impressed on them that they are laying the groundwork for the success of their families future.
ou never know about the student's background. They may have been told all their life that they are useless, dumb or they will never be able to accomplish anything.
I definitely agree in boosting students' self esteem in order to make them feel that what they're doing is worthwhile.
This is very true. Many of our students have never experienced this kind of guidance before.
