Richard,
Real world examples increase the value of the course because students can see how application of the content can be made. This helps to get them engaged at a much higher level.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students are motivated by a variety of factors, but one that maybe overlooked is the influence of family and friends. Students will want their families and friends to respect their career choice. They also want to be able to provide for their families. By using real world examples in class, students can see how the information will translate and be excited when learning the material.
Kara,
The environment has a lot to do with the mind set of students and how their perceive their instructional program. This is why we need to have a supportive and engaging environment in which to teach. The latest equipment and practices should be shared so the students see that they are getting the most current content in the field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that students are motivated by their environment which includes classmates, instructors, and school staff that they come into contact. I think it makes them excited to come to school when they may have other things in their life that need time and attention. It gives their time at the school more value in their lives.
Ginger,
There is a saying that goes "to teach is to learn twice, once as a student and again as a teacher". This is so true and should be a guiding factor in your professional development. By sharing this with your students you are showing them that they will not be done with learning once they complete their program. Sometimes they forget that to be successful they will have to be life long learners.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Positive feedback and my willingness to admit that I learn something new every day seem to be the two most compelling motivators. When I freely admit that I am faced with new ideas constantly, my students feel more comfortable sharing their lack of knowledge and are motivated to learn more.
Lance,
Right you are. I am sure we all have had the instructor that does not want to be a teacher and does not want to be in class. The courses I had with instructors like that seem to drag on forever.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A student that sees the instructor is excited, and full of energy will be much more attentive and excited to come to class everyday.
Nicole,
How to you highlight these factors as you work with students?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Some factors include things that could personally affect a student, experiences, and career choice.
Sean,
These stories are so important because they serve the purpose of connecting the course content with students' career development. They also reinforce that acquiring the knowledge and skill of the field does take time and a lot of effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In my experience there are many of course, course content and the ability of the instructor to make each part relevant to their career goals. In the school environment like the one I teach in (Career College) the students want instant gratification so I find that personal experience that I can relate to the subject as well as getting the students to picture or see themselves in that situation and give alternative answers or how they would deal with a given situation.
Leslie,
They sometimes tend to be shortsighted and wear down. So by keeping their end goals in front of them they will continue to focus on their future.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I encourage my students to look to the future, keep their goals in mind as they are moving forward.
Erin,
All of the motivation variables have a part in the success of students. The more we can learn about the students the more accurately we are able to zero in on the motivation that will work best in a specific situation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Some factors include internal motivation, such as seeking a promotion at work, potential for increased income, and a quest for more knowledge. Sometimes external motivation plays a role as well, one example being parental involvement.
Russell,
You make a very good point about skill sets. Students need to see how multiple skills sets will increase their value in the workplace. Knowing how to apply what they are learning in different settings and doing problem solving will expand their thinking which results in a more global perspective and greater career opportunities. This turns their studies into a win win setting for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sonya,
Right you are. We instructors need to bring passion for our field and excitement about teaching it each time the class meets. The results will be engaged students that are motivated to learn.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Absolutely agree that the subject matter MUST relate to the skills that the students plan to utilize following graduation. However, I have found that sometimes the students do not know all of the skill sets that they will need, so it is incumbent on me to demonstrate the link between the subject matter and the tasks that they will be performing when they are employed. This awareness has shocked some of my students and prompted a few of them to have an "ah ha" moment when they realize that the subject matter in my course will directly influence their ability to be promoted once they are in their chosen field. Moreover, when we discuss that their field may CHANGE in the near future, the relevance of the course becomes even more compelling.
Motivation is sparked by intrest in the subject and the desire to succeed. Motivation is the key to success.
