Aisha,
This is a good way to show students the relevancy of what they are learning and how it will impact their future career success. They need to see that there is an ROI for them if they will become invested in the practice where they work and become part of the team.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I've never been comfortable with teams. There is always a few students who want to lead; and there are always a few who like to follow; snd then there are few who rely on everyone else to get it done.
I am In charge of a DH program and we use similar methods.
I have used this technique with students. It helps to keep them focused and motivated. They seem to feel a sense of accomplishment as each task is completed and they are able to move on the another task/activity. Sometimes, I write the daily tasks/activities on the board and check them off as they are accomplished.
As a clinical dentist in a hygiene program, I find it very helpful to remind the student how valuable they will be to thier employer if they re knowledgeable, efficient, and serious about the welfare of the practice that they are working for. If the students feel accountable for the office and the patients, they seem to become more responsible and receptive to learning new things and applying what they have learned in the classroom. Praise for good ideas, trying new things is always good for student motivation and moral as well.
Jose,
What are some other ways you have found that increase student motivation? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Instructor Introduction, discuss the attendance policy hand out the syllabus etc.
One of the best ways to increase motivation that I've found is to not only state objectives at the beginning of the period, and carefully review and assess those objectives through the period and at the end, but to also give a preview or "trailer" of what will be covered in the next class period before the class is dismissed. It's hoped that this will not only give students clues as to what to study, but also allow them to connect "what happened today" to "what happens next", ideally promoting out-of-class discussions.
Motivating students is tough. Especially when they are taking five other classes at the same time!
These are some techniques:
A quiz every week do they have to keep abreast of the material.
Lectures completed on time so Exams are given on time.
I make my self available for on campus tutoring ten hours per school week and they can text, call, or e-mail
Me 24/7.
Progress reports after every exam and quiz (essentialy1 per week.)
Student alarms to students who are not progressing.
Keeping track of daily attendance.
Is this 100%?
No, but I am always looking for new methods of motivating students.
I perceive motivation as being extremely crucial in my class. I try to get the students excited about the boundless opportunities that await them and how the course that I'm teaching is a fundamental cornerstone in getting them to that final destination.
1 Tell the students about the real world application of te body of knowledge being taught and discussed in the course
2 How the success in the course will add to their overall knowledge in the academic track they are pursuing
3 How the success in this course will add to their didectic and hands on abilioties
4 How will the success in this course help them succeed in the credentialing exams
Billie Kay,
Thank you for sharing your approach with us. It is a challenge to get everyone involved in a group project. By having individual responsibilities that contribute to the total outcome it is easy to see who is pulling his/her weight. It also lets the students know you know what is going on in the groups so they know they will be evaluated fairly based upon their own work.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Giving team presentations has sometimes caused a problem when one or more of the team members doesn't cooperate with the others. I usually have the students report their individual actions that help the group each time they meet or work on a group assignment. They also report on the actions of the other group members. That way I can discuss their teamwork and can ultimately assign individual grades as well as an overall grade for the presentation. I try to draw parallels with the work world where some employees do contribute more than others for various reasons. And very often the persons who contribute the most to a groups success are the ones who are rewarded with raises and promotions or job security in lean times.
I am always looking for ways to show my students how the material we are covering is applicable to real life scenarios. By my students understanding the tools they are learning in my class can be used outside of the classroom helps them stay motivated.
You HAVE to make the subject lecturing on enjoyable and fun. Give students creative ways to learn and study.
Tina,
I think you are really going to like the results you get from using this strategy.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think I want to try this method. i do give a short quiz that is not graded to see what they have retained from previous courses. It helps me to gauge their knowledge of key concepts they have already had. I also like the teamwork effect and having short timelines to accomplish tasks. good idea
I believe that students need to see how this informatin will help or assist them NOW If they do not use hte informatin for a long time not only do they forget but they also do not retain it if it is not relevant to them right now.
Interesting concept of the timeline. The last statement of improved attendance is reason enough to give this some consideration for implementing. Thanks
Encourage your students to participate in class. Some students enjoy participating in class activities and discussions, while others may shy away from the attention. However, it is important that all students have an opportunity to participate in some kind of way. So try going around the classroom and calling on students one by one to answer questions and to complete various tasks.
