I'm an adult learner and recieved my three degrees while working full time and raising a family. I always tell my students about my experiences with learning as an adult and it establishes not only motivation for them becuase they see that someone else has done what they are attempting to achieve, but also establishes a common bond between the students and myself.
Hi Jorge,
This is a great way of taking students into the "real world" and showing them that the study efforts they are putting forth can result in them working in the setting they are observing. You are right it does get them excited.
Gary
I have taken my students on field trips to the different shops that contain all the necessary tools or equipment needed for their future job. I show them what to ask for, the quality of the items they should be purchasing, etc. Once they realize that it's not difficult they find it quite exciting and become more motivated.
Hi Douglas,
Good use of a learning resource, in this case your students. The more you can get them involved the more they will become invested in the course. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Hi Anne,
I like it. You can't beat a field trip when it involves looking at objects in your career field and food. I am sure your students look forward to these trips as it lets them see how big the world really is in relation to their career field.
Gary
I think a big motivational technique is the way we conduct ourselves while in the class room / school.
The student look upon teachers as role models and we need to take that role very seriously.
In my classroom on a daily rotational basis we have two students who are assigned the role of the Sous Chef in which they control the class with regards to timings, production and also the clean up.
This chance to lead really brings out the best in the students and keeps them motivated.
Another great motivational technique that I use is daily positive feedback on a job well done and do that in front of the full class as that makes a student feel that "YES " he did a great job and it motivates others to also do well.
AJ
Letting your students bring their life experiences to the table. I even give students who do have skills to offer an oppertunity to help with a demonstration. Or show so form of instruction. Students teaching students.
Also reinforcing positive work with positive feed back. Letting students come up with the answers to questions they bring to class. This helps them to think on their feet and can give thewm more confedence as the class goes forward.
When I sense a reluctance for students to go on a field trip I use the motivation technique of 1) telling how much more knowledgeable they will be about (in this case) architecture, art and public sculpture in their city, and what wonderful tour guides they will be for friends and family who come to visit them and 2) let them know that halfway through the field trip we may be stopping for ice cream or coffee, depending upon the season, if they have been focused and attentive enough. Both of these techniques are usually 'winners.'
motivation techniques can done by preparing your materials on time. make a individual folder with each student information and show them at least every week, and tell them how proud are you about they're learning level.
what i always do is offering extra support in and out of class.
Hi Angelo,
Great outline of what teaching should be about. What has been your biggest reward from being an instructor?
Gary
Preparing students to learn and setting their mind set to learning new skills are very important in the teaching process.
It starts with the course syllabus and the assignment provided the day or week before. Teachers must assign specific materials to read or websites to browse. Students must also be provided with an outline of topics to be presented and the activities to be completed to get them interested, and more important, for them to show up that day.
Speakers or guest demonstrators who experts in their fields of specializations can be invited. Actual tools and procedures must be utilized; not just pictures and simulations.
Adding humor to a "boring" lecture or presentation breaks the monotony of the session. Student participation or getting them involved in the presentation helps them get more interested.
Most of all, the instructor of the class must consistently demonstrate competence, empathy, care, and trust to generate enthusiasm and motivation among students.
Gary,
The motivation techniques shown in the lesson are pretty much how I handle my class. The students know I spent 40 years in corporate marketing and they expect me to be an expert in the field. They always want to know how I became successful. I tell them my professors showed me the tools and how to use them. I will share with you these same tools.
It is not hard to show enthusiasm when you truly enjoy the subject you are teaching and watching the students get excited.
In my "Professional Selling" class the students have one minute to sell an item they bring from home each week. You can see how comfortable they get doing this each week and applying the different selling techniques I teach them. On their own, they bring in harder items to try and sell to the class. Even those who have never sold before and have a fear of selling really get into it. The first thing they look for after their presentation is constructive feedback they can use the next week.
I do a lot of those type scenarios in all my marketing classes.
I hope I was not too long-winded in my discussion but that is the marketing person in me.
Bringing in experiences as they tie into lectures and allowing discussions has helped my students develop an understanding of the subject on a personnal level.
Try to relate the activity/assignment to their lives. When a student can see how learning a particular lesson will help them in their personal/career life, they have more interest. For example, I teach computer classes. It is very easy for me to associate using a search engine to the student who wants to find something in particular on the internet.
I like to bring my students to the types of places they may work...
These field trips have developed into relationships that benefit both the students, the host, and myself. I find that these relationships are motivational because the students see how their instructor communicates and operates outside of the classroom—I can model the behaviors of a working professional.
If that isn't possible, a guest lecturer also works wonders. Typically also the result of a professional relationship—these "success stories" show students that there is a benefit to getting their education, that someone who was once in their shoes, accomplished the goal.
These meetings also build on the students resources—they have people other than their instructor who may be able to answer a question for them.
Beyond the class room, participation in Clubs, Associations, Guilds, etc. are also motivational. These events usually host lectures on current topics, offer social/business gatherings, have round table discussions, and allow a great networking opportunity for newbies and the initiated alike.
While these motivational techniques may not take place in the "classroom" they certainly address those issues that are important to the career college student; Goal Oriented, Relevancy Oriented, Practical, and Life Experiences.
Like in all things, meeting our students expectations is doing the job and may keep them happy. Exceeding their expectations allows for educational/social/professional growth.
In my First year design courses I motivate my students by showing concrete examples of how the specific skills we learn in class are applied in the industry.For example , when we did a section on organic textiles, I had a guest speaker come in to present about her eco -based design company. She explained to the class how she got started , her inspirations,her niche market,and how graduates could maybe work or intern in her type of business. My class was so inspired by her story and determination. I made them see the value of what they are learning , and showed that they are not just memorizing - but learning skills that they can apply.
Hi Randy,
Great idea. This is a way to keep students engaged in the learning process. Takes on a new meaning when we say a student is "learning to earn". Even if the earning is only token the value is very high because of what they have learned in order to earn the token.
Gary
A technique I use in different classes, is to write on the board that each student will be required to raise their hand to answer certain questions I designate as "special" questions. If they answer correctly, they receive a token that can be exchanged at the end of class for a prize. The "special" questions range from trivia to specific knowledge questions about the material. This helps motiivate students to be engaged in the class. Plus it adds fun to the material. I have yet to see any student look like they were bored during this class.
Here are some motivational techniques that I use: I give students a one day leeway on due dates for assignments. Life gets in the way at times and I give an extra day without penalty. Another motivational strategy is to award bonus points for word processed assignments. Hand written work is acceptable, but typed gets more. Last, If a student aces an assignment or test, I let them skip a routine assignment.
Hi Joshula,
You are right about needing to know the goals of your students. If you don't you are going to need to spread a wide net in order to capture the attention of your students. By knowing what they are about and the goals they have it is much easier to customize the instruction to those goals.
Gary
