I have found that my students are most motivated when the hear about my experiences in the field. I generally share with them that through the learning process they can have the same experiences that I or any of their instructors have had. I also bring in former students to share their experiences with school and the "real world" upon graduation.
I try to motivate with stories of my experiences in the field, show and tell, and personalized encouragement.
Hi Gary,
Good point. Without expertise everything kinda falls apart since students are there to be educated by experts in the field so they can be successful upon graduation. All of the other attributes of a good instructor need to be in place, as you mention once the qualifications of the instructor have been established.
Gary
Hi, Dr. Meers,
The "motivating instructor" segment spells it out well. But all the cornerstone characteristics are not necessarily operating at the same level. For me, the top one is expertise. It's the first and foremost reason students come to our school. The other characteristics, though important, are in supporting roles. So it's my expertise that they're after first but if I am not enthusiastic, or empathetic, or clear those shortcomings will dominate the students' experience in my class. I need expertise first but must understand their needs and realities, be the enthusiastic leader and deliver clearly if I want to make it all happen in the best way for the greatest nimber of students.
Hi Carol,
You are right about motivation. When both the instructor and the students are motivated then learning can get really exciting. This is when a lot of "ah-ha" moments occur.
Gary
Student motivation is the same as what motivates the instructors. We all want interesting presentation of new materials, excitement in using these new techniques and of course the monetary reward once we have mastered the techniques!
I am lucky because my field bases success on having fun and playing with toys. Yes, I am in IT. The more you learn, the more you know and the more you can do. Once this excitement transfers to the students - the sky is the limit.
Students seem more motivated if they feel what they are learning will help them somehow, even if it is regarding their personal lives.
Hi Judith,
Identifying this balance is a critical part of being an instructor. You are in fact are offering consulting service to your students by evaluating their work and progress. This is the only time they will have your expertise available to them on a regular basis. Many students miss this point and only focus on the grade they are going to get in the course.
Gary
A balance of positive reinforcement and areas of improvment is key to student motivation. That balance is determined by the assesment of the level of the student by the professor.
1) Having empathy. Working students have their own set of unique problems which are genuine. You need to work with them, rather than penalize them for everything which will frustrate them
2) They hate it if you make them look stupid. So answer their questions and make them feel that there is nothing like a stupid question.
3) Be fair. Students are motivated if they find you fair
4) Be clear in your expectations. Students will be discouraged if they find that they could not do well because you were not clear in your expectations
Hi John,
Human brains like variety while taking in new information. By offering variety of presentation, class flow and student interaction instructors can keep their students engaged in the learning process for longer periods of time.
Gary
The issue of excitement is an interesting one. I notice that a number of instructors use PowerPoint slides in their class. The result is like a prepackaged presentation with little interaction or eye contact. What seems to work best...varied techniques and real life application examples.
I have found that if I give them more time on assignments and understand they have a life and are busy, they will complete late assignments.
I also think that assessments of learning are more focused on what a student needs to know for their own success and gives them a better picture of their progress than grades that only show how they did on one assignments does.
Hi Carrie,
What are some effective ways that you have found to provide positive reinforcement to your students?
Gary
Why is student assessment important in an online course?
Many university programs are beginning to integrate online classes into their curriculums. The newness of online learning raises many questions about class administration and quality assurance. Issues of online class quality are just being explored. Assessing students gives instructors learning-focused feedback. Assessments are a way to learn to rate student gains toward achieving the course goals and giving them the motivation without a grade to show they have mastered a concept.
Dr. Gary Meers,
I think some factors that contribute to student movtivation would be positive reinforcement to the students.
Giving them positive feedback, and encouragement will help them grow. I believe in the educational environment it is very important.
Hi Rosemary,
Thank you for these two examples of how to motivate students. The past grads are "money in the bank" for you when they come in and the current crop what it is "really" like out there. Even though you have said it many times, it really sinks in when a former students says it.
Enjoy the praise because you deserve it. Instructors work very hard at putting together an educational program for students and to hear that the program is effective and valued by past students is what keeps you coming back day after day.
Gary
I teach in the medical field and the capstone course for my students is a clinical practicum. Having recent grads come back to school and talk with my intro class students about their recent experiences on clinicals is a great motivator both for me and the new students.
The grads are able to empathize with the new students and convey (masterfully I might add) that although the program is tough, completing it is possible and very rewarding.
I'm also reminded of why I teach because it seems everyones favorite line is, "don't worry about a thing, Mrs. L gets in your head and stays with you the whole time"...Pretty high, yet humbling praise for an instructor to hear.
Hi Robert,
You hit a triple with your comments. Students like to hear about how they can make money, be satisfied with the work they are doing, and have personal fulfillment. If we can get this message across we will be able to engage our students more in the learning process and they will work harder to be successful in school.
Gary
