Hi Christopher,
This is a good way to use the students as resources. By learning more about them and their abilities you can draw out their knowledge and experiences to share with others. This really helps to build their self confidence as well.
Gary
I think some of the most powerful techniques for motivating students is keeping an eye on the students that are the most quiet in the class room.
Find time to get to know them one on one and discuss some of their objectives and try to incorporate an example into the course (if it's not already there) and show important their ideas can be to the entire classroom. I've found by showing the idea to the class the student learns their ideas aren't far from what others are also concerned about.
I agree that real life tying into education motivates and prepares student for the real world outside the classroom.
Hi Sharlen,
I really like the way you are giving your students a gift that they can use throughout their lives. The gift of learning. The journal method gives them the tools it takes to such such activities a part of their lives.
Gary
Hi Kane,
I also have done similar things in the past. At times I would ask the students to give me questions that they felt were important and use thos questions on the exam.
By doing this, many students feel as if I have a great deal of respect for them and their opinions.
Hi Lilly,
I tend to agree with you. The students need that type of motivation. From my experience I have seen that they will appreciate you more if you are willing to get involved with them and not just work with the basic techniques.
When Group work or Team projects as a Business Instructor, the students hate it at first but tend to enjoy it towards the end when they see, how I am there to assist them and their entire group throughout the term.
I feel that there are many techniques that can be used, and it all depends on the students that we are focusing on.
Some of the best ways I found is to use experience and things that the student can relate to. I also try to use group or team projects so that they will be able to feel what it is like working professionally with others. The most important thing that I found is the way I treat the students. I feel that by treatng them professionally in a manner that I would want to be treated makes them appreciate you as well as the class.
Personally I feel that corrective criticism as well as feedback is very important and helpful to the success of the student. If it is presented to them in a proper manner they will benefit by it.
Good morning Gary,
I have the students keep a journal where they can write about the techniques and strategies of communication that they can use for the rest of their life. We look at this on a weekly basis in small groups and then report to the entire class. Helping them become lifelong learners, to apply strategies of communication that they learn in class that will help them in their chosen professions.
Hi Lyle,
Good job of setting the tone for the class. The students know they are going to have a good time in your class while being supported in their learning. This is a platform for real learning to occur.
Gary
In my experiences I have found that humor, applied to the subject matter, works well as a motivational technique. Students are more motivated to attend a class that is fun and exciting as opposed to one where the Instructor is monotone or just boring. Other motivational techniques I incorporate are the use of technology (I use graphing calculators in most of my math courses), and building rapport early by learning students names and showing interest in each student as a person.
Hi Ward,
Great to hear. I love hearing about instructors that are excited about teaching even after all these years. I myself have been teaching for over 30 years and am enjoying my students and my classes each and every time I teach them. I can see that you are working to engage your students in the learning process while having a great time doing it.
Gary
Give the students some practical applications. This gives a drive to them.
I have been in my field professionally for 30 years before I started to teach it.I am animated when I discuss my lifes experiences. I raise my voice and show excitement. I move throughout my class and give personal demos to trying students. I am more excited about this turn in my career than I have been in years and I know it comes accross in my performance.
I have found it effective to relate stories about past students who are now successful in their field. Stories about how people, who a short time ago were in the same seats as the current students have overcome obstacles to reach success seems to hit home with alot of students.
Hi Shelley,
Thank you so much for the kind words. It is always enjoyable to be able to help another professional in the development of their professional skills. If I can be of any additional help to you please let me know.
Gary
i empower my students. i have them do my job on a limited basis and give them small tasks that gives them a sense of leaderships and accomplishment. i like to pick the quiet ones in the latter part of my class to try to help them become leaders.
Margaret,
I use the same approach as you. Bringing in former students and letting them share their experiences makes the present students realize this really can work.
I teach in a culinary school & have long suspected that the pastry course that I am teaching to the "cuisine" students has been less than inspirational. My favorite method is to relate the specialty that I teach as it relates to what they already know or are going to be learning. I try to present the material in a way that a culinary student (not just a pastry student) could use the material. After having gone through this course, though, I can see how I can ramp up my teaching style & try to reach additional students using other techniques. Thank you for the information!
I have found that students respond really well to former successful students coming into the class and sharing their experiences. Because the course is heavy in design projects, the students who were successful can offer support and encouragement since they have been through the class and survived. Also, current students find it very helpful when these former students communicate how they are using the skills in other classes and in the field.
Hi Bruce,
Stories like yours is what keeps the students focused on their own goals. They can see through you how they can accomplish their career training and create a future for themselves.
Gary
