Keeping students motivated
Lately, I have experienced that the number of students that need constant positive feedback from me as instructor has increased. I do believe in positive feedback can make a big difference for a student. Sometimes a poor performance of a student is not based on the fact that he is not capable of understanding the material.
Nancy,
yes, if you know what you're talking about & you think I'm doing a good job, that must mean something! Excellent point.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think when it's their teacher praising them it especially helps. They already look up to the teacher as somebody "In the know" and praise coming from someone they hold in high esteem will be considered even more legitimate.
tracy,
and you are so right that sharing our own stories & examples is a great way to encourage our students when they are struggling through the mire.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
keeping students motivated is a big part of the learning process. I believe when the instructor has a story about what happened to them in their career, it makes the students interested more. i know when i was in school i always had goals set for myself and i accomplished all of them except one. but i kept myself motivated throughout my whole school career made it to class every single night and didnt miss one class helped fellow students out when they missed work. I found that the course medical assistant that i took was going to be a passion for me. i enjoyed myself. I love my job. thats because i was motivated to be the best that i can be.
Amy,
this is a great approach as you are then able to incorporate this specific feedback into your current instruction.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Teachers could ask former students what motivated them the most while taking classes so you could apply that to current students.
I agree that this is a needed part of the learning process. Positive reinforcement during lecture can boost a student's moral about understanding the material in a moment.
Najla,
this is so true. The more the students are active participants in the class, the more they will be engaged with the content & often the better their performance will be.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I Think making the students participating in class will make them feel good about themselves and this will reinforce their motivation.
Darlisa,
and often this is what they need the most, someone in their corner cheering for them & telling them that they can do it.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I too have noticed that there is a diminished amount of motivation in the classroom. In career colleges the demographic is much different. We are dealing with individuals who have so much more on their plates than the "ordinary" student. Sometimes the poor performance is due to lack of energy, or lack of time after coping the their daily existence; however, these are the students that I do my most cheerleading for.
Rich,
and I've found that the more we use praise, the greater opportunity we have of offering true, effective criticism; the students will listen to us so much better.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Absolutely. I know praise helps to motivate me...why wouldn't it help my students as well? I often try to praise them when they do well...even if they ask a smart question. If they are struggling with an idea, i like to use you phrases like "you know this...talk me though it" as a positive motivational tool.
Always good to use visual examples to explain what you mean. If additional help is necessary then other means would need to be discussed
Everyone likes motivation. Motivating students will keep them up beat and ready to learn. Just a little motivation can go a long way in motivating the students to do better.
Always want them to strive for the best, and keep your learning activities interesting, you want to engage your students regardless of subject.
I totally agree and sometimes their can be things going on at home that affect their performance in class.
I agree that positive feedback is extremely important when it comes to tecahing. I am noticing that my students are much more open to constructive criticism when I give them positive feedback as well. Whatever I can do to help my students learn and succeed is number one on my list therefore I use this method very often in my class. :)
Sherry,
yes and one of the keys with good feedback is to make sure that it is specific. Let them know what they did that was praiseworthy, that way they know how to repeat it.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
