Helping Students to Motivate Themselves'
At the beginning of my classes I have my students fill out a form called "Agreement for Myself". In this agreement they make note of some potential barriers, ways to overcome potential problems, etc, but the most important part of this agreement is why they chose to further their education. I also include: "Where would you like to see yourself in five (5) years?". I have been amazed at some of the answers. I make sure that both the student and I have a copy of this document so, if necessary, we can both refer back to it. I have also been amazed at how effective it is.
Hi Amanda!
Very well put! Students have to believe in themselves and believe that they can have positive outcomes. The belief that one can move forward comes from a postive self concept.
It sounds like you are extraordinarily sensitive to meeting the needs of your students and their personal success.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I agree that the student survey tool described above could have many different uses in a variety of classes, and could be an interesting and beneficial exercise for a wide range of students with differing backgrounds.
The tool described above could fall under a general approach to counseling and teaching called motivational interviewing. The goal of motivational interviewing is to help enhance internal motivation, as it seems there are higher retention rates and more positive outcomes for those students with the highest levels of internal motivation.
Aditional ways to help foster this interal "I want to do this" as opposed to the "I have to do this" attitude could be other types of self-report and subjective essays or reflection papers. The "ideal day" exercise, an often cited therapeutic techique could help students understand why completing this one assignment today can help move them that much closer to their overall goals.
Additionally, these types of exercises help build rapport with students and can be quite humbling for faculty as well.
Hi Pamela!
The interesting thing about this exercise is how engaged the student becomes and what they will divulge about themselves. Do you find this to be true as well?
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I have my students to do a report on "Where do you see yourself in five years and what are you doing to acheice your goals
That's a great idea. I have found that we are in an age where people do not want to be held accountable for their actions. They are very quick to put the blame of their failures onto insturctors, peers, etc. This is a great way for them to hold themselves accountable for their futre.
Thank you!
I used to do something like that when I first began teaching. I stopped because for some reason I questioned in my mind if it was really relevant for each subject I teach.
I realize if it helps me, help the students, it is relevant regardless of the subject I am teaching!
I like this idea. The problem that many of my students have is not being able to see the importance of taking English or other general education courses. Many don't seem to connect with the idea that general education is just as important as the courses where they learn specific skills related to their career field. Because of this view, many of my students do not try to excel at learning writing and speaking skills that employers are looking for. The "Agreement for Myself" is a tool that I will use to help my students connect the importance of developing good writing and speaking skills with their career goals.
I love the student survey as a tool. It helps me check in with students when we get together about their grade and help them on a professional level if there is an area of personal development I am especially skilled at that I can share.
Dolly,
Studies show that a future perspective or "vision" is the single most important factor in student success. Seeing where they will be in 5 or 10 years, even if they don't end up exactly where they thought, provides a great guide for the choices they make today and in the future.
I also agree completely with your idea of the agreement. Personal ownership of the learning process is absolutely vital to long-term success in any field.
Thanks for your input.
WCD
