JOSEPH,
This is a great way to make your course content relevant to the students. Even though the content is challenging the application of the knowledge can be done in a way that is enjoyable and engaging.
Gary
Luke,
I really like this idea. Some students need to be motivated by their peers. Also, you will have some natural leaders that will take charge to make sure the tasks are completed by the team.
Kelly
One of the ways that I have found in motivating students is to relate course content to real world situations. In Microbiology, I ask students to get articles from the Internet and other sources that illustrate the principles they learn each week in class. For example, the recent outbreaks of E. coli, Salmonella and other types of food poisoning tied to consumption of meat, fruits and vegetables found locally or from abroad. We also talk about movies dealing with Epidemiology and Infection Control like OUTBREAK and CONTAGION. We talk about Probiotics and Activia when we discuss the role of normal flora in preventing infections. These discussions get them excited about microorganisms- their benefits and their disease potential. Diseases always interest people so I ask them to get articles on recent trends and developments in my course of Pathophysiology. Thank you.
I've introduced my students to the idea that we are a team in the classroom and we will work that way at all times except when taking exams. So, I would routinely have students read their assignments and come back ready to answer questions on the spot for fun. I would place a jar with folded sheets of paper that include a question related to what they were assigned to read, and then have them pull numbers to seat in groups. Then I would randomly call on a student to present their question and try their best to answer it. The rule is, all members of each group must answer a question, whether it be their question or another member without any assistance until an attempt has been made to answer. The trade-off would be they would have to answer another question correctly for points. The team with the highest points would be rewarded with extra credit on a test or quiz.
Ann,
I agree about the benefits of field trips. I use them and guest speakers to get my student ramped up when they start to wear down during the course.
Gary
Field trips are excellent motivators in my program- when students see others doing what they're studying to do, they're all excited for the next few weeks. It also opens some of their eyes- some of them see things they didn't KNOW they could/would be doing, and they get excited. Seeing their field in action puts the "Why" in why am I studying this? !
Draw attention to their ultimate goal in obtaining a rewarding career. Relate the goals, objectives, course content to the overall objective of the program which is that of creating a future for themselves. They should be kept mindful of this throughout the program. Also having a comfortable and supportive environment will help in the desire to learn. That by studying and meeting the objectives and earning good grades they will have a much easier time of being sucessful in their chosen field.
Donna,
Good strategy to follow in terms of trying to develop your adult students so they are able to be "self directed" learners. They are going to be such when they are out in the field if they want to stay current and continue progress in their careers.
Gary
Students will become more motivated to learn if they understand that it's their responsibility to achieve a level of learning (deeper learning) that allows them to take that information and apply it to real life situations. I work with adult learners so I stress the benefits of becoming a "self-directed" learner. I assist my students in understanding how they as individuals learn. It is important for students to believe they can understand and "own" the knowledge made available to them. Encouragement and assistance from the instructor and fellow students is essential to an environment that encourages motivated learning.
Nadh,
Yes, it is a good method to follow. It helps the students to see the value related to the education they are receiving.
Gary
Would this be a good way to measure the effectiveness of teaching college level certificate courses? It sounds like a good way to assess what they have gained and could be useful to compare which classes were more effective than others.
An example that could be used for student motivation is envolving them in the teaching and learning process.
A few strategies for increasing student motivation can include working teams, forum disscussions, encouragement, listening.
After the first class I ask the students what do they expect to know or be able to do after completing the course. By listening to their expectations and helping achieve goals in line with the subject matter, I am able to increase motivation, desire, and instill a will/determination to succeed.
I always want to encourage students to do their best work. Alot of times, just in life without encourgement people tend to slip by the way side. If someone encourages them, then they will feel that someone cares about their success.
Hi John, I agree with you and have seen this myself in quite a few of my classes. This togetherness also helps to encourage students to do better and adds a benefit for those helping.
When it comes to labs, I act as a bystander and left the students feed off each others knowledge and skill level. They create an inviting learning environment which is fun to watch and gives you a warm feeling as they teach themselves as they let their guard down, if only of a short time, and them I will tell them what I learned from them. The passion, positioning,the professional they exhuded towards each other without even trying. They are are learning and it shows with no doubt. This is a huge impact on their ability and esteem.
Dario,
So true. By learning from our mistakes and gaining additional knowledge and experience we become proficient in our fields. The more opportunities we can provide our students with such experience the better prepared they will be.
Gary
I believe a good strategy is to enlist the student in giving feedback on what was just discussed. Letting them know that each goal is obtainable and being in class ia a huge part of the end result.
Brenda S. Jimenez
It's veryimportant to encourage positive thinking. I usally say things like "you're a picky eater," instead of "you should try your peas, you might like them." Unfortunately, this type of learning starts when we're very young and the older we get, the more difficult it is to be positive. But students need to feel positive about taking chances with their work and need to be encouraged to do so. It's ok if you work on a problem and fail, because together, we can learn from it. The goal is to encourage them to keep going and try again. Not succeeding the first time is not a bad thing, it's healthy to learn from our mistakes and move forward.
