Motivation
It is very difficult to get students motivated particularly with subject matters that may not interest them within their chosen field at his time. Why do I have to know this, they have folks that will take care of that for me... The challenge is to show them how and why this is important; maybe it won't be apparent today, tomorrow or next year, but it will become an issue. Real life experiences and instructor experiences / history will become of interest at this point. Jeff Emmons
Hi Michael,
This is a great story with a powerful message. We need to share with our less motivated students examples like this so they will understand the need to be well rounded in their educational achievements.
Gary
An accounting professor relayed the story of a capable student who resisted working on material which he found excessively technical and/or petty.
After several attempts to motivate his student the prof did not lose interest and seized upon an opportunity. When the student made a comment about having a future as a 'boss' and having subordinates to do 'that work', the prof asked him if he wanted to be perceived as a 'smart boss' who could evaluate his staff or as a 'dumb boss' who could be easily fooled. This was a big moment for the student!
Hi Jeff,
This is true in many college settings. Students don't see how what they are being taught will help them with their careers. They need to see the relevancy and application of their new knowledge. By talking with instructors in the direct application fields often the gen ed instructors can come up with activities and projects that show the students what they are learning can and will be used by them in the future. This really helps with motivation.
Gary
