Speaking from a creative point of view. The motivation needs to come from the individual. There is only so much I can do to motivate and inspire my students. If they're passionate about what they are doing they will not need motivation from me. But I try to motivate my students by encouraging them by letting them know that their success depends on how they acquire their motivation and inspiration. It must be in their heart!
The program i am invo lved with requires a certain amount of hands on application to provide the student the chance to transfer the lecture to the job.. While some will comlpain that they are onlly working on trainers,the student must still be able to perform the task. the trainer I explain is just one case senario of the many designs possible but still is representative of the challenge of doing each for the first time. I also expllain that with each new production year tha even I face a half a doxen brand new ideas which manufaturing has produced and that then they and I are both looking for the first time together at someting brand new that neither has looked at before.
offeriing expertise in their field ,then explaining how it can effect their career and still have a understanding of the fact they may not be able to always meet the goal we have set for them
I agree w/ Jon's first sentence. When you can apply information that you are covering in class back to a life experience (better yet a work experience) you are well on your way to motivating your students and reminding them why they need to learn this info in the first place: ie. gain employment in field. If you are a good storyteller all the better. The class can't devolve into storytime but if you sprinkle a few anocdotal stories in a class session I've found that it can be a very effective motivating tool.
Instructors motivate their learners when they provide immediate feedback, provide purpose for learning the content, approach their topic with expertise and excitement, and also use the power of language to communicate clearly and consicely. It also helps that the instructor gives opportunity for the students to apply their learning to real situations.
Hi Glen,
Relevancy is critical for student see and understand. Your approach gives them that essential connection between content and application.
Gary
I use them the first day when I meet the students and present the syllabus and other information about the class. I tell them what they need to do to be successful in the class and in their. For example, being able to write a clear and concise cover letter when they apply for a job and how this is connected to writing essays in English Composition class.
How much more money they could be making doing something they love.
Cool idea. I will have to use that exercise in my next class.
There are many different items that I use, role playing is one, another is real shop run time, and elevation. These are just a few of the techniques that I use.
Hi Steven,
I use the Jeopardy game in my classes and my students love it. Glad to hear of your success with it as well.
Gary
In my Gerber computer class I find that by verbally congratulating student out loud on mastering a technique is a real motivator for other student to do their best.
Playing Jeopardy by using questions that relate to your subject. It gets the entire class involved and participation. You can also share your life experiences which will show your passion and enthusiam in your field.
Hi Leslie,
Personalized instruction really helps to keep the students engaged. It is based upon the call letters of the radio station WIIFM. (What's In It For Me). You make a good point in relation to helping them to see the value added benefits that result from their efforts.
Gary
I have found that students really enjoy/appear energized when relating topics/concepts to personal examples in their own lives. As the class suggested, this practice (of relating concepts to real life) solidifies the information from the class, making it more memorable.
Leslie
Hi Matthew,
Excellent point about timely feedback. This is so important to keep the students engaged and current on their status in the class.
Gary
Giving them real world situations helps with keeping them motivated. Also giving them timely feedback on assignments as well in class feedback works on keeping them motivated.
If you have real life experiences that apply you can relay them in a story. You can also add what you learn in the situation.
When it comes to terminology and facts, quizzes can be used to test memory. It would be a good idea to grade and return as quickly as possible for positive reinforcement. Uses of mnemonic technique can come in handy.
If there is a way to demonstrate the knowledge through some kind of hands on example or assignment, that would help solidify the knowledge through practical application.
1. Address the needs of your students: Specifically, why are your students enrolled in your class or program? For example, students may need to acquire particular skills or knowledge for an immediate application (such as current employment) or to overcome personal challenges. Get to know each student's needs and design relevant activities which will serve as motivation.
2. Create a student-centered environment by allowing students to actively participate in their learning process. Allow students to provide input on assignments or projects, or otherwise design and solve problems. This interaction will keep students engaged in learning.
3. Present classroom expectations that are challenging, but realistic. Let your students "rise to the occasion" and build their self-esteem. This approach will generate self-motivation.
Hi Russell,
You are right about the motivation aspect. A lot of it is personal because their success helps them to become more successful and it builds from there.
Gary
