How do you motivate students
what are some ways as instructors that we can motivate students.
Hi Julia,
Good idea about showing other uses for common items. This really helps students with transferring their knowledge from the classroom to their lives. They go home and show their families the different uses of a common glass for example. This gets them all kinds of "wows" and that reinforces their desire to keep coming to class and learning more about their field.
Gary
I think it's really fun to show the latest tools and gadgets we can make or find (buy). I show ways to improvise if they don't have a specific tool needed for the job at hand. A glass has many uses, not just for drinking out of.
Hi Tanja,
This is a good idea. Adult students want to have a say in their education and by being able to select topics they feel more in charge of their learning. It is also a way to keep them engaged in the total course content at a higher level.
Gary
I find that giving students some choice in assignment topic helps deveop interests and motivates practical learning of of topics they value. Giving students some freedom in exploring topics of choice related to the course seems to increase the relevancy of the material to their lives. When students connect with the curriculum, they seem more attentive and eager to learn more!
Hi Ann,
I understand where you are coming from completely. I only teach required courses and have to work very hard to show my students the value of the courses since they are not in their field. I use a lot of activities and case studies that help them to see the value of what they are learning and how that information can be transferred to other settings. This really helps to keep the students engaged in the class.
Gary
I have found that talking about what is going on in the field motivates students and also discussing different job opportunities and how to determine what area they are most interested in also interests them very much.
This is great if the course is in the students major, but for those who have this as a required course it can be more challenging to motivate the students. They often struggle and I let them know that this is a challenging course and that with following the plan they can and will be successful.
Hi Gary,
You have a good combination for keeping your students engaged in the learning process. By you being excited they will see how they can be a part of the career area if they complete their training. The skill aspects of career development is always an important way to keep and maintain student interests.
Gary
I have two methods that i use..
One is showing my enthusiasm for the topic.
Sometimes I think I'm just talking about my field and when when I notice the students are engaged with wide eys I know I've reached them.
My second one is showing a more effective technique in accomplishing a task. Once a student sees that they can successfully complete a task, they are more likely to continue to the next one with confidence.
Hi Nadeem,
Good way to start a class off. You are getting your students comfortable with how the class is going to operate. You are setting the stage for getting everyone engaged in the learning process.
Gary
By letting them know that they are part of the whole team. You as the instructor are here to facilitate not as an authoritarian personality. Let them know that class room is a place where they come for learning so even if they make mistakes that doesn't matter. Tell them that don't shy to ask questios. If they make any mistake let them know that if you know everytjing then you don't have to come to the school. School is a place where you come to learn.
Hi Tiffany,
You are keeping it real! That is what teaching is all about. The students have to see how what they are being taught is relevant to their lives. They need to be helped to see the future that they can have by completing their program.
Gary
I like the using real life experiences concept in relation to the field. Also, bringing up exciting current events happening within the field can make the students eager to be a part of it. Incentives for positive behavior don't hurt either, since employers in one way or another will also employ this technique.
Hi Mario,
Way to show relevancy. By using real life examples you can help students see applications to what they are learning. This really helps with their career goals.
Gary
i like to give my student real life experiences.so that way they can weight the value of there education themself,then show them some guidance to make sure they are going down the right path.and show them the rewards of hard work!
Hi Scott,
You are doing a good job with keeping the interest up for your students by bringing in the latest developments in the field. This helps with motivation as you mentioned as well as application and relevancy.
Gary
I have always enjoyed sharing with them the advances that are taking place in the field we are in, and what new technologies are coming soon. I find most people do get motivated when they start hearing about innovations it gets their minds going.
Hi Larice,
As the class leader if you are excited about what you are teaching and you show students how they can create a future for themselves you will increase their motivation.
By developing rapport with students you will be doing much to create opportunities for motivation for your students.
Gary
