Motivating Students
One way I have found to motivate students is to find a way to challenge each one of them. Often times it is a different motivating factor for each one. For instance, with one student it is how to improve on a quiz, another might be to become more proficient at a particular technique. And luckily there are self motivated students who challenge themselves each day, those are the ones you just have to give a little nudge to.
Hi Gilbert,
What are some strategies that you use to integrate the two groups into the class? Do you use learning groups to help them develop respect for each other?
Gary
I teach in a setting that might have half adults and half under twenty five which can be challenging ecpecially with motivation.
You have to look at each student idiviualy and try to accent the course work in order to motivate one student at a time as well as a group
I agree with Jeff that each student needs their own type of motivating factor. But, the one constant that I find with every student when it comes to motivation is positive reinforcement. I believe that when discussing a students work (production) with the student the instructor should first start off with what the student has done correctly or nice. This is then followed up by what they can do better or what they have done wrong. I believe that if you start off negatively the majority of students tune you out and miss anything positive you may have to add.
Hello,
I have participated in a "Teacher of the Unit" classroom experience. Small Groups were responsible for teaching a specific unit or chapter. Each group had to read, learn, develop handouts and create a five question quiz for a specific chapter. Then they had to choose one person in their group to be the teacher of that unit to the rest of the class. The teacher came up front, explained the chapter, guided us through the handouts, and distributed the quiz, which was taken and graded right then. Other students in the class acted as themselves - dozing, talking, interrupting, texting - they did not need me to emulate that behavior.
I and the entire class then offered positive comments and broadly critiqued the teacher and their group for accuracy, clarification of points, use of handouts and quiz, extras used to explain the chapter (powerpoints, props)using a grading rubric previously shared with the entire class.
It was scary, enlightening, and educational.
I'm thinking about having a "Teacher of the Day" kind of contest. There are always students who would be motivated by developing a lesson plan, etc. I would like to be in the back of the room texting, talking, etc. just to see the reaction! Has anyone tried this?
I agree Jeff! However, "a little nudge" is somewhat vague. How's about giving me two other examples of how you could otherwise engage self-motivated students?
Hi Jeff,
You are right about needing to find what motivates students. By finding that key to what motivates them you are customizing their instruction to meet their motivational needs. This will keep them engaged and learning throughout the course phase.
Gary
