Get Your Students Hired
Involve them in the teaching/learning. I always have the students tell me something about their prior experience so that I can use that information to motivate them. For example, I have them tell me their level of knowledge of technology. I.E. What type of devices they use, Iphone, Ipod, tablet, etc. Then I try to relate the topic we are learning to an experience they may have had on one of their devices.
I also try to make lite of a situation that may have happened to them or me in the past and relate that to the subject being covered. Humor really does help to motive students to learn.
I also use some of my more experienced or brighter students to help motivate the slower student in the class. This seems to motivate the slower and the advanced students because we all love to share what we know.
Landis
As a science teacher, I often remind students about the importance of the course (and the course grade!) in their career field. Lots of their future courses are intertwined and excellent science background will definitely benefit them in the future.
In addition, I share success stories about my former students. Some of my former students come to class and describe the a path they went through from being a student to becoming a professional.
Lastly, I encourage students in their first year to attend a graduation ceremony. They could see for themselves how rewarding this whole experience for graduating students is.
Kelly,
I think this is a great idea. What fun it must be. No wonder the students like it so much. Doing this helps with their transition to the real world of employment and increases their excitement about the upcoming graduation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In my field, we do a lot on hands on skills. Allowing the students to demonstrate what they have learned and giving positive feedback motivates the student. At the end of the course, we have a day that is "a day in the life" of their chosen career. During this day, the students act as if they were in their chosen career working. Having a "mock day". This allows the student to use all the skills they have learnt and apply them as if they were in the field. The students love it, and gets them excited for their chosen career.
Robert,
Like the examples that you use to show your students the value of the information they are receiving in the course. You are making the content real for them as they start to realize that there is a reason that you are offering the content you are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Connect the dots between the lifestyle they want for themselves and their family to the course at hand. Sell them on baby steps or the Law of the Farm/Harvest principle.
Show them the "You Are Here" on their map and be sure to point out the progression they have already made when possible.
What are some strategies for increasing student motivation?
Motivation begins with positive energy and by keeping focus on the objectives needed from the study. Instructing in a Mechanical Maintenance Engineering school with an emphasis in the HVAC&R electro-mechanical industry motivates students themselves. Subjects matter and learning your trade starts with a fundamental base found by attending school. Focus on the base when working into more complex discussions and if students understand the concepts well will motivate learning at higher levels. Motivation comes with a complete understanding on how to reach goals.
Raymond,
Money is a powerful motivator and you are using it throughout your course to engage students and help them see their future if they work hard. This is a great way for them to see the value of being in school and completing the course. It is easy as you know for them to get discouraged and start to drift away from class. Keep the dollar signs out there and help them see their potential.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I motivate my students by showing them what the average amount of income is they are likely to earn after finishing the program. During class sessions, I pull up job search engines such as “Indeed†and “Monster.†Also, I explain to students what they can be earning if they excel in our program. I expose students to different avenues they can choose to follow in this field, which opens their eyes to new possibilities.
Sandra,
I use games in my classes as well. My students love to play them when we are reviewing for an upcoming quiz. Remember adults are just taller children so they like to receive prizes for their effort. Your giving them prizes like candy, pens, etc. do just that reward them. It is amazing how hard the will work to earn a piece of candy.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Increasing student motivation can be accomplished by utilizing a number of strategies. One of the strategies I like to use includes active participation by the students. Incoorporating a game into a lesson changes the environment from being stuffy to being fun and exciting. I have a "Jeapordy" powerpoint that I am able to tailor to the topic and I utilize little prizes like; candy, pens, etc. It never fails to get even my most withdrawn student to interact for awhile.
Chukwuka,
You received very good advice at that seminar. This is how we should approach the starting of a new course. Letting the share their life experiences and then show them how those life experiences can be used in the course enhances their engagement and reduces their anxiety. They start to realize that they have more to contribute to the course than they thought and this is a great help in building their self confidence.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I learned in a simulation seminar I attended that letting students share their life experiences uninterrupted would go a long way in getting them involved and motivated. First I would let them talk about past life experiences. The experiences would then be tied to a positve goal in the course. Students would then use the connection to get to the successful completion of the course.
Heather,
Your guest speaker will help the students to see the value of the content being offered as well as let the students know how the content will be applied. This will increase their engagement and motivation for what is being studied.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am a new faculty member. I will definitely work on getting at least one guest speaker to visit the class. The material I am teaching is very important and relevant, but very difficult. I think it would be a great motivator to get someone from the industry to introduce something relevant to course content or relevant to how the students will use the course content in their career.
Rick,
Two good ways to increase student motivation. Are there other methods that you use that you can share with us? Thanks for you input on this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
To have clear academic goals for the student. During instruction give examples of how this can and will apply to their lives.
Show them that they are important by engaging them with questions to answer and problems to find solutions, we get to know our students , what kind of learners they are, and then evaluate the ways that we could motivate them, and we should always remind them with the successful people that achieved great goals and try to analyse the situations and strategies to have our dreams come true.
Duane,
Personal examples help make the course come alive for students as well as adds value to the content being shared. You are helping them to see why they are taking the course and how it helps with their career development. This is their ROI factor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have brought in personal examples of what I have done over the years, to show the students what is possible and what may be expected of them.