Edward,
I use this strategy in my classes. The more real world examples and case studies you can use the more value students will associate with the content. In addition, by working through these projects and case studies they get to expand and develop their problem solving skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One successful strategy is make a project based assignment that has real world implications. Students engage much more readily when the learning is specific to actual results with a physical product or prototype.
Matthew,
You are right on target with your approach. This way there is no mystery to what is going to occur in the course and the students can see how to plan their week.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Marcie,
This is a great list for instructors to follow and provide to their students. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One way to increase student motivation for me is to give students a clear agenda each week that outlines how the course objectives tie into the assignments. I also upload them onto my faculty website for just in case they miss a week or lost the handout. If you want to see my site for examples go to http://mpummel.com
Strategies for increasing student motivation may include providing positive feedback, making sure to point out learning has occurred when they demonstrate it, and by being an example of success and professionalism.
Melannie,
The more real life examples you can give the more value the students will associate with the content. You are increasing the ROI for the students because you are showing relevancy and application.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have used real life examples to explain why they need the material or practice. Students are far more likely to pay attention when they know WHY the material is important, such as injection sites, medical terminology terms, and more.
I also will use humor to encourage them to learn. Students have responded well to learning when I tell them they need the material so "they don't look stupid" when they get the job. I always tell them they aren't, but I want them to look good when they are out on externship or out on the job.
Finally, sometimes I have to do some individual pushing. I have had students who have been homeless in my classes, students who have been having lots of personal trauma. I will be the "kick in the pants" they need and they do appreciate the fact someone cares enough to keep on them to get the work done.
Timberly,
I think all of the items are good ways to get students engaged in the class and excited about their future career opportunities. The more examples and stories from the field that can be shared the more focused they will be on being successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Hi,
I think that some strategies for increasing student motivation include sharing life experiences, encouraging students to share the experiences and showing how important the class/course is to their career ( the big picture).
Timberly
Curtis,
The instructor is the learning leader so he or she needs to be able to serve in a number of roles to facilitate learning on the part of the students. You make a good point about the need to serve as a facilitator and coach.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having the instructor serve as a facilitator or coach and the students achieve expected outcomes through problem-solving and group thinking will increase motivation and pride in work.
Madelaine,
This is such an important part of their total education. Helping them to get a vision about how all of their courses fit together into a sequence that helps them to be prepared to enter the field of their choice.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One of the strategies I use, is to show them that they have to strive hard to be successful. If there are hindrances on the way, to study harder and not stop. I tell them that if they finish one course, to take one step further and go on the next step.
Michelle,
This is a great way to "sell" a gen ed course. Students need to realize the value of what you are teaching them and how good communication skills, both written and oral will enhance their career development. You are helping them to acquire skills that will help them to be life long learners just as you mention.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I tell my students that the course is not really English Comp/Lit. It is problem-solving/critical thinking 101. I talk about the importance of being a life-long learner, and that I'm really there to teach them how to learn, not what to learn. This way, no matter what new skill or knowledge they need to acquire in the future or challenge to overcome, they know the best practices/steps for them to take to achieve it when there isn't a teacher/facilitator around to assist them.
Robert,
I think this is a great message to send to the students. That should really motivate them to think that they have a skill set that enables them to earn a living even before completing the course. If that doesn't excite them nothing will.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
On day one I point out to the students that just by completing my class (Residential Electrical Wiring)that they will have the necessary technical and practical skills for entering that job market. This is before they will be finished with the entire course at my college.
Michelle,
Good motivation strategy. I am a big fan of guest speakers and field trips for the reasons you list. Both get the students ramped up and help them to see the value of the course and how it fits into their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When my program chair and I noticed a wain in student motivation we thought it woul dbe helpful to let them experiece the real world for a reminder why they chose the medical field to begin with. We took them on a field trip to one of our clinical sites where they got the chance to work with a sonographer and real patients for a day. By reminding them that there is a light at the end of their tunnel and what they are studying will have a real impact on someone's life in the future really helped to get their motivation back.
