Excellent written or verbal communication skills are important to motivate students. Instead of saying "you have a poor piece...", one might say, "you have a great foundation with which to build upon. It's imperative to look to the project questions and insure all are responded to." "To enhance your piece, refreshing your skills in writing (the writing lab) and utilizing your study guide will insure a great piece all the way through next time. Very good start. I look forward to your next piece. Thanks.
Factors that contribute to student motivation are knowing the student's personality to understand what motivates them. If you know that there is a driving force in the student's life that has gotten them through tough times, that same driving force may get them through a difficult quarter or semester. If the instructor is aware of this, he or she can have a great impact on the student's desire to get through it.
Personality type is important as well. For some students, it's going to be a gentle nudge while others may need a bigger push.
Yes positive reinforcement is the most important tool you can use from your toolbox.
I think that there are a lot of ways to motivate students. I think one of the number one ways is by showing that you care. One way to do this is by greeting them on the very first day.
I continually "ask and don't tell" my students questions about class topics. This really empowers them and emphasizes on their own personal experiences.
Some factors that contribute to student motivation is positive instructors, knowledgeable instructor , one who value the student time and respect them are just a few factors I use.
Hi Alejandro,
An instructor needs to have the respect of the students and have developed rapport with them. Once that two critical elements are in place then the gestures take on more importance. You are right without respect the gestures lose their impact.
Gary
Dr. Meers,
The problem with simple gestures is that the instructor needs to be respected first. If the students do not trust or respect the instructor, simple gestures will not do. Do you agree?
Gary,
That's very true. Plus, over the top gushy motivation usually seems fake, forced, and can even be uncomfortable for the student to receive. Discrete, appropriate, heartfelt praise and motivation seem to work the absolute best.
Liz
One factor I use to motivate my students is enthusiasm for the profession. I love to tell my students entertaining stories about my time in the field to keep them interested not only in my lecture, but also in their career choice. I find that if I show my passion, it ignites a fire in them.
Hi Michael,
This is a very important point that all instructors need to remember. The more we know about our students the easier it is for us to understand the factors that are influencing their actions and learning efforts. You are right about knowing where they are on the Maslowe scale this helps with the provision of support in a timely manner.
Gary
I like Maslowe's triangle. We have to remember that students are motivated by different things. If a student got evicted from his appartment and doesn't know where he'll be staying tonight, we can't expect that student to be motivated to learn today. In getting to know our students, we can determine which stage of Maslowe they're experiencing, and that can help us, as teachers to motivate them individually.
Being their advocate is a great way to motivate them. There is a huge difference between being their advocate and being their friend. Being their friend doesn't work. If they know you will "go to bat" for them, they will be motivated to work for you.
Being excited when a student brighten up during a complex lab.
Some factors that I find motivate my students are geniune interest of the instructor as well as their confidence - my teacher thinks I can do it!!!! Other factors are the "prize" at the end of the game. Knowing that their education will help them to earn more and have a true profession, when kept at the forefront, is always a great motivator.
Being able to identify what motivates a student can help greatly with retention. Chapter 4 of the readings identified six factors which included:
Social relationships
External expectations
Social welfare
Personal advancement
Escape/stimulation
Cognitive interest
These are specific motivational forces for career college students. Knowing these factors exist allows the instructor to plan and implement strategies to overcome those that are challenged.
I think most adult students are motivated by the desire to have a better life/career. This motivation includes the desire to be successful, to provide a better life for not only themselves but also their family. They have a desire for higher self-esteem. All of these motivating factors help them move closer to self actualization.
Bill
Fun. My students love to have fun in class and it truly motivates them to do better.
If they know this is a skill they will use in their career (how to draw a blood sample) they are more motivated. They need to see how they are going to use the skill. In addition, the instructor needs to be excited about the material.
Hi Robert,
You make a great point about "that". They need to know what "that" is and if it is worth working toward. If not their motivation is not going to be as high as it needs to be. If they can clearly see the "that" in their life they will be able to have a vision of the future and how they can be successful.
Gary
I believe that the biggest single motivating factor in anyone's life is " I need to do 'this' to get 'that'". With that in mind, facilitating the student's successful passage through 'this' with content delivery and positive reinforcement should be all that's necessary. If it's not, then I question whether or not 'that' was all that important in the first place.
