My students who are self motivated will challenge me to challenge them, asking for more and even difficult assignments for them to practice. Students who are less motivated need to be shown you care about their success and challenge them on their level. Even if it is just caring enough to hold them accountable to complete the assignments.
First, the instructor must be excited about the material/profession they are teaching. Students feed off of the instructors for the most part and if they can see that zest for the profession and material then they will have a hunger to obtain that same zest.
Also, finding out what made the student enroll in the course/professional training. If you can understand the reason they are in your class in the first place then you can feed off of that if they get off track and need to be reminded of the original desire for success.
Kizzy,
Thanks for sharing your student survey results with us. I think they reflect what most students are thinking when it comes to motivation and reflecting on what is an engaging instructor. As we plan our own professional development we need to keep these comments in mind.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I actually asked a few students and some of their responses included:
Having a good teaching that knows what they are doing and acts as if they truly care. Instructors that communicate and offer regular positive feedback. Making sure instructors are prepared for the courses they are teaching. Bring life to teaching and speak to the students like they are adults. Make sure teachers are teaching to all learning styles. Make sure teachers are not making you feel insignificant because they are already succeful in the field. Students need to feel secure.
It’s as if the students took this course! Everything that we’ve discussed in the course is exactly what students are saying the need in order to stay motivated.
What are some factors that contribute to student motivation?
This could potentially be a long list, as motivational factors vary from student to student and vary from day to day.
A few consistent motivators are the desire for success/fear of failure, competitiveness, economical motivators,internal expectations(being self motivated) as well as external (friends,family and coworkers) to name a few. Many are motivated by praise and/or recognition.
Mark,
Good point about rewards. No matter the age students like rewards for doing something well. Also, you are doing a good job of connecting the content with the real world through your examples and lab work.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Positive reinforcement for a lab done well.A candy bar or a bag of popcorn for high score on a test. Applying what they have learned in class to a Lab exercise that directly relates to what what they will be experiencing in the field.Relaying how the trade they have chosen has been very, very good to me.
Alejandro,
I agree with your observation. The more connection students can make with their instructor the greater the respect and rapport is going to be. Both of these are important in the learning process.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
At the beginning of the class I always tell the students the importance of the subject I would be lecturing.Any difficlt topic also I break down in simple form and also encourage them to ask Questions. Gaining knowledge makes them stay motivated
I believe that students are motivated when they see the instructor with a positive attitude and which dominates the discussion topic.
I thing learning some personal things about there past work or life experiences that you can relate to ther new trade is a great way to open up motivation paths. I have found that a smile and reminder of how far they have come and the fact they have climbed mountains before and come out on top goes a long way. In the welding industry it is easy to compare progress daily. they dont see as well as I do but letting them look back helps them to see it. They get caught up in the next project so often that you have to reassure them that they are gaing skills.
There are many different factors that contribute to student motivation. First, is the student's reason for getting an education. Some may be motivated by a desire to please someone who is an authority figure, others are in school to establish relationships, while others want to be able to give back to society or want to learn simply because they like to learn.
An instructor has to help students stay motivated, regain lost motivation, and sometimes even help a student redefine what motivates them.
This can be done in a variety of ways including grading and returning assignments quickly, providing positive feedback, using teaching methods that aid retention and allow students to put what they learn into practice. It is very motivating for a student to see the results of their hard work!
Factors that contribute to student motivation include the instructor's passion,knowledge,and presentation of the material at hand. When the student feels good about their ability to succeed in the course, their thirst for knowledge takes off. In order for the motivation to continue,the instructor-student relationship should never be taken for granted by either party. Motivation can also be lifted by fellow students sharing their success stories with each other.
By helping the students acquire the tools they need to do the work, it helps them focus more on learning the new material and worry less about the technology.
Daniel,
By offering some foundational instruction you are expanding the learning opportunities as well as success factors for these students. I know they appreciate your efforts to help them be successful early on in the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I've noticed with some students their inability to use the software hampers their progress and causes the students to feel "stupid". The key that I found to help these students is to periodically have workshops going over the use of the software. Once done and the students feel comfortable with the software, their progress and confidence becomes significantly improved.
Student motivation for the most part reflects the instructor’s level of expertise, their empathy and enthusiasm. Furthermore, the instructor needs to be clear in their presentation so the students can more easily understand the material. Thus, when students feel like they are making progress and they are with someone who cares about their success, they tend to feel better about themselves. This positive feeling by the students is often expressed in their doing better in the course.
Monica,
Relevancy is so important to keep in mind as you develop your instructional planning. If your students can see relevancy to the content they will become more engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Relevancy. Instructors need to make sure that what their students are learning in class can be applied to their lives professionally as well as for personal enrichment. Examples of such application is essential.
Let the students be an active participants in learning,help students set achievable goals for themselves,be enthusiastic about your subject,An instructor's enthusiasm is a crucial factor in student motivation.
When possible, let students have some say in choosing what will be studied. Give students options on term papers or other assignments, let them buy into what they do in class.
