Creating motivation
I am really enjoying this Module but I have got to say lately I've been faced with students that do not want to do the work and are uninterested in learning. Alot of these excersices discussed I see as wonderful if the student is excited and prepared. How do I motivate a class full of negativity?
That is 100% correct!! Students can tell when the course subject matter isn't moving to the instructor. If students sense this then they will slowly disengage and shut down the learning process.
The course that i teach, doing a combination of lecture, group activities and hands on has been very successful. It keeps the students focused. Obviously, it will depend on the subject matter you are focusing for that day.
willy,
and we can always loop back to a point or a brief lecture if we see it is needed in the process.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree, I like to get them moving and engage them in hands on projects as soon as possible to stimulate their senses. I try to make my lectures as brief as possible, without missing the essentials.
richard,
yes, that opportunity for quick application is very helpful for long-term retention.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
i agree with getting them right in to lab then i know that everythang is fresh in ther minds and thay are ready to learn.
Mary ,
yes, the more enthusiastic I am about the material & the class, this really will translate & communicate to the students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Excitement conveyed by the instructor really goes a long way, I have noticed. I tell a story that is relevant-including my own mistakes- and this seems to open discussion and break down barriers. I then invite students to do the same. If they see how the information or technique will help them,it seems to create enthusiasm.
Michelle,
this is so true & while we don't want busy work just for busy work, keeping them challenged will also make sure they feel rewarded.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have found that negativity will decrease the busier I keep the students. The more down time or quiet time provided the more time they have to spread the negative talk.
John,
this is a great method & really requires that we know each of our students as individuals.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree, and would like to add that not all students, especially in mid-size to larger classes are going to have the exact same motivations for being in the class, so I try to link what they are learning to as many of those different core passions/ reasons for being in the class as possible. I do this through different examples of how the material can be applied to their core passions.
I am having the same problems with my adult learners, when I ask them how would they like for me to teach with different activities, I get a shrug of the shoulders and comments like we are not children, and it is very hard to motivate them.
Carmen,
this is so true & often the students can explain things differently to their peers than I can & it helps them understand even more.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
group studies is a positive way for students to interact and learn from one another
I presently have 3 students that become more of a distraction due to their negativity. I usually break the cycle with a discussion of how the information can be used in practical application. This works some days... Other times I have to remove them from class.
Judy,
yes, how excited are you about the particular topic or course? Are you motivated to learn more & to help your students grow? If not, this will be transferred to the students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I feel instructors must be motivated themselves in order to keep the students motivated. An instructor should show excitement about the class they are teaching.
I think if you are excited about your work they will be too!!!..It's trial and error.
