James,
The more connections you can make between the course content and their lives the better. You are doing this in a number of ways and the result is an increase in the value of the course to the students. They start to see that there is an ROI for them if they are able to get through the course successfully. Once the course is complete they are one step closer to their career goal.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Justin,
You make a number of very good points about how to connect with diverse student populations. The thread that remains constant is a relationship with each student. By earning student respect and then developing rapport you will have the connections you need to help each student to move forward in his or her career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As I get to know my students I try to tap into their experiences, knowledge, likes/dislikes, and back story. I use this information to pull together the relevancy of the course to their life story and how what they learn can enhance their growth and life story. It really seems to motivate them to come to class ready to learn and participate as they share what they are applying from class to their everyday lives.
Student motivation can be a powerful force - either good or bad.
In addition to the post-secondary program I teach in, I also teach at an urban high school.
The adult students I teach are usually most motivated when they can clearly see how the course content/learning activities help them develop career-relevant skills.
High school students are obviously different. Students need more individual attention to increase motivation. This can require multiple strategies, but I have found that building relationships, developing an understanding of individual student's needs, and showing that you genuinely care about their success to be keys.
Stephen,
Like all of your ways to motivate students. I use a lot of field trips and guest speakers because the reinforce and increase the value of the content for my students. They see the relevancy and application part of what is being taught as a result of someone showing and telling them about how they use information from the course to be successful in the field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Robert,
Thank you for these comments as they really lay out some of the challenges and approaches in teaching an area like yours. Connecting the dots between content and application is important while still trying to engage students that are training to enter an artistic field. I am sure you have a lot of fun as your students get into your course and start to apply their knowledge and creativity.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Demonstrate your success in the field and the successful histories of your previous students. Guest speakers and field trips are two of my favorite pathways to accomplish those demonstrations.
In the arts, motivation is fueled by inspiration. Inspiration is kindled by focusing on works of interest. One is truly engaged when working on something that is interesting to them.
In motivating students in class projects, offering a choice on the topic of their study proves essential. This is especially true in the arts.
In lectures, referencing an artist which a student has previously expressed an interest in keeps them at attention and eager to discuss. Herein, getting to know your students is vital to their motivation.
Patricia,
Don't despair your situation is no uncommon for many instructors. By doing all of the things you are doing you are offering variety of delivery and change of pace and these two strategies do make a difference. Keep doing what you are doing and be on the lookout for other activities you can try in your class. Instructional engagement is an ongoing process for us all.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I've tried different methods...having them do actual tasks that they may be required to do in their new field; discuss up to date topics; relate it to the "age" group; field trips; my "war" stories, etc., though depending on the topic, it still can sometimes get tough to keep them motivated.
Vincent,
I am a big fan of using guest speakers for the reasons you list. These speakers reinforce the value of the content being offered and helps to make the course relevant.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Outside speakers in students fields of interest are good motivators. Hearing things from those that have been there are crucial. It allows for fact finding.
Donna,
This is a great service you are providing your students because many of them may not have a global picture of what career opportunities are out there. By sharing this information with them you helping them to see the value of the content you are offering and how they can use it to create their future.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Travis,
This is so important because college students can easily lose focus on why they are in school and what they want to accomplish. Reminding them of such is valuable because it helps them to refocus their attention on success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Tracey,
I am a big fan of guest speakers and field trips because they help to motivate the students and reinforce the content I am sharing.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Terrence,
Students really respond to reinforcement so the more we can offer it the better. With this approach it is easier for us to be able to help them when they need to improve or redirect their efforts in the course without losing them mentally.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to broaden my student's vision about the possible career opportunities available after they have mastered this field of study.
I keep reminding students to keep focusing on their goals. I point out how far they have come and how much further they need to go. I encourage them to make short term goals that will help meet their long term goals without being overwhelmed.
Motivating students are always great to keep them focus and on the right path. I'm always having guest speakers and planning field trips.
Gary,
I always try to show real interest in student's efforts and praise their work when I have the opportunity.
