What you say is very true, but many of my students are not exactly young, themselves. Many of them are retraining for the next half of their lives, or dealing with health issues which forced them out of their career fields. No matter the age, they are all dealing with challenges of some sort or the other.
Wendy
Valerie,
I agree. I am amazed at the life experiences my students bring to class. It is a wonder for many of them that they are alive do well in school. They have my admiration and I want to do everything I can to help them be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is sometimes unfathomable how much stuff these students face at such a young age.
There are times, particularily in hands on lab, where students seem to goof off. I have attempted to motivate them about how important and serious the skills they are learning are..but sometimes I have to use scare techniques to get them back in line. I do not particularily like to do this, but letting them know what could happen if they are not paying attention and mastering their skill almost always seems to motivate them back in line.
As educators one must remember that learning occurs within each individual as a continual process throughout the life of the student and that people learn at different speeds it is a natural reaction to be anxious or nervous in a new learning situation. Positive reinforcement by the instructor can enhance the learning process, as can proper presentation and timing of the delivery of the material being presented. The instructor plays an important part in the motivation of the student and positive reinforcement form the instructor will be seen in the retention of the student.
Erica,
This is a very important point that instructors need to remember. My students seem to hit the wall about three fourths through the course. They are worn down and they lose focus so they need a change of pace, fun activity or something that will get them ramped up and excited about how far they have come and how much they have learned.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
That positive reinforcement does help keep many students motivated. Sometimes they may hit a wall, but as their instructor if you have done your homework you will know how to get them passed it.
There are many ways to be a motivating instructor. Building rapport and trust will help you to motivate your student. Sharing your expertise, personal and professional experiences with them will contribute to motivating them as well. As you demonstrate your knowledge with enthusiasm you will assist your students in feeling that same excitement about their field of study. Also, coming to class prepared with lecture, activities and assignments will motivate your students to come to class; preparation is extremely important.
Summer,
This is a good way to provide support because as you know students can get worn down in a course and forget that they have already learned a lot and will be learning a lot more before the end of the session. Being reminded of this can really help with their motivation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I am trying to motivate students I like to point out their specific positive qualities or accomplishments. I like to remid them how far they have come since day one. Some studnets really struggle trhoughout a program and others it comes naturally. They all like to hear what a job well done.
Mark,
Being positive and sharing your enthusiasm for what you are teaching goes a long way in "selling" your course students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Robert,
Like your last sentence because it is critical to the learning process. Once the students see how these dots connect they realize that they are being helped to move closer to their career goals and are creating a future for themselves.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think staying positive about the course content and the class atmosphere, daily, can keep your students engaged for the term.
What motivates one does not motivate another. I like to ask questions like, "If you were to achieve skills this course offers, how would that change your career?" and "If you career were augmented with these skills, how would that change the lifestyle of your immediate family?"
Motivation by connecting the dots.
Martha,
Good strategy because the more you connect your content to their future the more value they associate with the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to be a motivational instructor by letting my students know how the knowledge they gain in class will help them in their future careers.
Jessica,
Real life scenarios and case studies let students use their newly acquired knowledge and problem solving skills. Plus, they get them all excited about what they are learning. They are a great learning tool so keep up the sharing of them and enjoy the benefits of watching your students grow in their learning and understanding.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I provide real life scenarios. When I went to school it was through distant learning, so I tell them the struggles I had with self teaching myself. I also give them real life scenarios in the operating room, my struggles and my accomplishments.
Royace,
What are some ways that you show students how they will be rewarded that has yielded good results for you? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I work to show students that they will be rewarded for study and hard work by showing examples.
