As a new instuctor am egare to learn many way for me to motivate my student by giving them chances to explain or input on a class topic we are doing.
Jennifer,
I use them as well for the reasons you state. Students like to hear stories from the field. These stories help them to see how they will fit into the career field they have chosen and how they can be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Student motivation is an issue with every class. I try to use success stories (students and alumni) so student can see that it's possible to achieve what they are coming to school to learn. Their goals are attainable if they put in the effort.
Madelyn,
This is a great way to "connect the dots" between the classroom and the real world that the students will be entering before long. The more examples they can see and experiences they can have the higher their motivation levels are going to be. Keep up these experiences for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Joshua,
Students really like stories like this because they show both application and relevancy to what they are learning. They get excited about how you worked through a situation because they can see themselves shortly being in the same situation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Keeping students motivated is always a difficult, especially when programs are very long. I take my students to court so they are able to see for themselves what it is like to be a court reporter. Giving them a picture of the future creates a great amount of motivation.
In teaching a client service profession, I find that sharing professional stories both of failures and successes. These stories show the students that I went through the same thing as they did and that I am there to help them learn from my experience. The students see it as if he can make these strides and be successful they can too.
sharing the value of what you are teaching and letting them see how it will directly effect them will help keep them motivated
Jessica,
ROI is the name of the game and the more we can show them the value of what they are learning the more relevance they will see in their studies.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that I need to show my students what they are going to get out of the course. Why is the information we discuss and learn important to each individual student. Many times they answer that question for me with some easy discussion starters.
Jennifer,
Good point. Big picture and end results this needs to be refreshed for the students on a regular basis so they don't become worn down by current pressures.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find your answer very fitting for the greater goal at hand. By highlighting the fact that a student may not necessarily need to "sweat the small stuff" you are helping them see that one grade may not matter when looking for employment, rather the degree and license are the major factors as well as a comprehensive understanding of all aspects the curriculum held.
Chris,
Students as you know really like hearing stories from the field. When their instructors relate such stories the value of the course content is increased and validated. This also gives them a picture of how the course content can be applied in real life and is relevant to their future career success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Since I teach at a career college I like to start off my sharing my own experience in the field and demonstrating to students how what they are going to learn will translate into practical real world experience. I find that when I can make the connection between the classroom and the real world my students are always interested.
Jan,
You are hitting all of the engagement buttons with this type of class opening. You are setting the stage for an exciting and focused class to come. This helps the students to see the value associated with being a part of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I found that a well prepared introduction of ourselves as the instructors can be used as motivation, as students would like to see how hard work and education can bring the reward of a successful career. The model that we present to our students is a motivation.
Realistic and reasonable expectations are also important, as students will be motivated when they believe they have the ability to meet our expectations.
Michelle,
Good point about setting up students in a way that they can see the value of them wanting to be successful. Yes, they do have to want it and they have to put forth effort to get it. Nothing comes without personal investment and they need to realize that.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am focused on helping the student's meet their own daily and weekly goals by giving them a few minutes each day to set their own goals and giving a weekly template on the board so they can see what the time expectations are to develop their own goals.
It works and creates the internal motivators we cant possibly give them , they have to want it.
Michelle Callaghan
John,
Good point. They need to realize that they are preparing to enter a field that will reward them with money and career satisfaction. The more we can do this the more excited they will be about their classes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think one of the best methods for increasing student motivation is letting students know that there are career possibilites for well qualified graduates.
