Students can be motivated by many things. For some the grade is the motivating facctor. For others it may be a teacher that challenges them to learn more. Some students are motivated by a fun class. The key is to discover the different things that motivate the different students in class and then do those different things.
I think that praising the student for the good work they've done is a good motivating factor. At least you are letting them know that their efforts are appreciated. When you have good results you want to continue it, no one wants to stop when they're doing so good at something.
Hi Linnie,
Good strategy. The more you can "connect the dots" between theory and practice the more learning will occur. Application and relevancy are two words that need to be used often when teaching courses like math.
Gary
I have found a great motivator for my students is realizing what they are learning in my math classes can be directly used in their career fields. When students can see a correlation between what they are learning in the classroom and the “real†world they are more highly motivated to succeed. Mathematics can be a scary subject for some students; it is important to give your students intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to succeed.
Hi Ellen,
This is what I admire much about our students. They have very busy and full lives and yet they see the value of expanded education so they devote time out of their schedules to learn and improve their career options. Way to go students!
Gary
Hi Ashley,
I like this method as well. It reflects a saying I read some time ago. "To teach is to learn twice." You get to learn it as a student and you learn it again as a teacher. By having students do a demo for the class they are learning the content and procedures twice which really helps to seal it in their memories.
Gary
Success (success fuels success), application on how they will use what they learn in their new career, connection between their life experience, what they are learning, and how they will build on these two aspects and take it to their new career.
Desires in life, family, personal goals, greed, image, and peer pressure. Although some sound negative and superficial, I feel they all play a part in the students motivation. Each of these items in their own way help determine what that students next move may be. The value is given by the individual student and if they feel they are not going to achieve what they believe is the ultimate, then they, I feel would choose an another path to get there.
Most students in my classes are working students that want to better themselves, make a better life for their families and their selves. Most know the only way is to be motivated and change their careers.
one factor that contributes to student motivation is giving positive feedback daily.
Letting them know they have done a good job. Return paper work ASAP so they can see how they did on their test or paper.
Dr. Meers,
Motivating students can be done in several ways. I think that it is important to appeal to the sense of understanding about the topic being discusssed. In addition, it is necessary to allow them to share their experiences. Lastly, it is necessary to show confidence when delivering the material and give real world examples whenever possible.
A good way to motivate students is to have them do a demo for the class on something that is relevant to the curriculum being taught. This gives students the opportunity to share with the class something that they are skilled at or passionate about. It also helps the student to work on their public speaking skills.
Ideally students would be motivated by learning the material presented. However, students often have other ideas. Sometimes, they view the course as something that they need to complete in order to complete the degree program. All that matters to them is their desired "A". Grades do not seem to me like a reasonable motivator. They seem more like a goal. Check it off and move on. Helping students understand how and why learning the material will help them in their career would be a solid motivator. Presenting examples of relevance can achieve this. Sharing experiences and situations where the material could be applied can go a long way in helping students to become genuinely motivated. It can be challenging but there are ways to overcome some short-sighted student visions.
Hi Sunny,
You make a good point about how many career college students are unique in their reasons for enrolling in school. They have set goals and want to move their career forward so enroll. The key is to keep them motivated as you mention when life starts to wear them down.
Gary
Students in a career college setting have different motivation factors than "traditional" college students. They may have already spent time working in their chosen field and are going back to school so they can move up. They may have been working in another type of field, and want or need to change careers, so that is why they are here. Whatever their motivation may be, it is a driving force for them, so it is important that instructors keep them motivated.
I agree. focus on strengths.
Positive reinforcement is a great start. encouraging feedback on grading is another. Enthusiasm in the topic itself is contagious and huge! I teach math and if I am 1/2 lively, then I lose everyone's attention. If I am excited and inviting my students to a "math equation solving party" then they all get happy-
I think that it is important to remind the students of their ultimate goal. The idea is to keep your eyes on the ultimate prize - the degree.
Positive student reinforcement
Examples of relavent work experiences
Consistent feedback given to students
