Instructors as Motivators
What are some ways you can be a motivating instructor?
One of the challenging things about teaching A&S classes is that the students don't always see the immediate value of the classes they are taking. I have found that connect the material in the course they are taking with their field of study works the best.
In pharmacy calculations (business section) give the females of examples of 10% off that new pair jeans - then they know what I am talking about as far as percentages!
Some of the ways that you can be a motivation instructor is to know the material and teach it with enthusiasm. You need to show the students that you care about the subject and one of the ways is to be properly prepare on the content material and have a firm understanding of it.
To be a motivating instructor it is my policy to be as prepared as possible, set up questions for in-class discussion, and to be engaged with the learning process. This means to remind myself as to why I became a teacher to begin with. I also remind myself of my love for the subject matter I teach, hoping this will motivate and influence students.
I share my experiences in the industry. I focus on current events in the industry and what we are learning in class.
Christina,
Passion for your field and enthusiasm for teaching about it goes a long way in generating excitement in the minds of students and this helps them to focus on the content being shared and skills being developed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Become motivated by your own excitement and new subject matter, play learning Games, change the ideas constantly, and motivate your own self to get the new fresh ideas.
Jon,
Good point and one that needs to be repeated to us instructors as we prepare our content and delivery. We need to bring our A game each time the class meets.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Rapport, energy, enthusiasm about the subject and about them as individuals. The best retention tool, as we all have heard hundreds of times, is a class they don't want to miss, whatever the reason may be.
By chunking assignments into manageable tasks, I can be motivating. Students are not overwhelmed, and they are successful. Success breeds motivation.
The daily issues we deal with regarding students can sometimes be overwhelming. We try to express hope, determination daily to help the students realize and achieve their goals for the future.
We teach them how to overcome obstacles.
Suzanne,
This approach is what will make learning fun for your students as well as keep them engaged. Keep up the good work and the sharing of laughter with them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I teach my classes I use humor and animation to reach my students. If I am lecturing on a topic I may use funny analogies to get the students to understand the points. I use the room as a stage so that I can educate as well as entertain my class.
The technic is use to motivate my students is to personalize their fears and short falls as my own. By saying I was once in your shoes, and then reinforce that they can achieve anything they set the minds to. I believe goal setting is the best way for an instructor to motivate students.
I sometimes have students introduce themselves to the class and give a 30-second "about me and why I'm in this program" speech. I do this so they can practice a good interviewing technique, but more so that all of us in the room can see the experience and the motivating factors that bring each person in the room to the program. I especially do this when I have a new group of students. This gives me a chance to identify how I can keep that motivation going throughout my time with them.
In my class.... I never really stand still..I will move around the room. I will catch a students eye and spend a moment talking to just them (it may appear) when actually I continue to the next students. This movement will keep students attention. Animation is another favorite... I feel sometimes that a good instructor can be also viewed as a good actor.
I am younger than most of my students but have been in the field for nearly a decade. I find that opening up and sharing my personal experiences whether good or bad helps to motiveate them. My horror stories are a big hit and my "moments of victory" make them giggle. Also my past experiences help them understand why we do what we do and why my expectations are high.
Amy,
So true and so important.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Enthusiasm for the content of the instruction is key!
