Soneka,
You make a number of very good points in relation to two elements that need to be a part of each instructor's approach to teaching. Passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching about it goes a long way in generating student enthusiasm. Combine these elements with application strategies that help students to see application and relevancy and a win win situation has been created. This is when teaching is fun for all those involved.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think that building students interest and enthusiasm in the topic is critical. Using expertise, empathy and a generally dynamic presentation style I believe builds the energy in the classroom. Students feed off passion and it doesn't take them long to believe in their choice of career if you show your own unbridled enthusiasm.
William,
Well said. We need to bring our A game to class each and every time we interact with students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students need to see a genuine passion for teaching, and for them as individuals, from their instructor. If it looks to the student like you are just going through the motions to get through the day your results will reflect it.
James,
Great to hear. I wish you continued teaching success. May you continue to impact the lives of your students for years to come.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The course has increased my understanding that effective instructors understand student motivation. Instructors that understand motivation enhances the classroom experience and student learning outcomes.
BRIAN,
This is an important message for students to hear. They need to see that they are learning and making progress toward their career goals. When they do their motivation will increase.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I continualy tell students that they dont have to get high scores on tests to pass the corse they just need to put in the best effort that they can.
How to be a motivating instructor requires you to be part of the solution to ensure your students succeed. Listening to their opinions is a good place to stand. Understanding their weakness and helping them over come them would be beneficial. Finally constructing a class room that is both educational, fun, and provides a variety of activities and teaching styles allows for everyone to have something to catch their attention.
I get my class involved in discussions, workshops, and practicals to keep them motivated about the material. I use group sessions to also get the not so involved students involved in the learning environment. it seems to balance out the class and keep everyone involved
Lawrence,
I am sure you have noticed how students perk up when you share a story from the field with them. These stories illustrate the way application can be made of the content while increasing the value of the course to them in relation to their career goals. This forms the basis of a win win situation for the students. So, keep up the sharing.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I continually try to weave my personal experience's from my work in the field to help motivate my students. After they realize that learning how to perform a task correctly will lead to customer satisfaction and financial rewards.
Motivating instructors are those who can focus on individual students and help them to achieve success in their courses. First, establish a rapport with your students! Some of the ways in which instructors can build rapport is by showing a genuine interest in their students as individuals and sharing their own personal insights and experiences with the class. Having a solid rapport allows instructors to further facilitate both student motivation for learning and enhance their receptivity to what is being taught in the classroom. Second, being able to show empathy for students! This includes having an understanding that students occasionally have problems arise that inadvertently hinder their progress in their courses. It may also mean modifying your teaching preference to include instructional strategies which are more acceptable to that group of learners. It could also mean having an understanding. Other ways in which you can be a motivating instructor is by showing a sense of humor, encouraging and participating in classroom discussions, as well as relating the course material using real-world applications.
Jeremy,
Having taught online courses I can appreciate your comments. It certainly is not the same as a onsite class for sure. Sounds like you and your colleagues are doing your best to get students engaged so keep up the good work. For those that do not become engaged or not motivated do the best you can with them but in the end it is up to them to be successful or not and that is something that you do not have control over.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Chukwuka,
Good plan. There is no one way that works best each and every time. You have to be able to read your students and then select a method that will work in that situation. This is how you will be able to connect with your students and get them engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Motivation is a really challenging aspect of teaching for me, because my classes are currently fully online. As a group (the faculty members in our department) we put forth a huge effort to keep in touch with students who show signs of lagging motivation.
But without a brick and mortar classroom, we don't always know that students are falling behind until the end of a week, and then we have to suddenly turn up our efforts to find out why a students has not submitted work and what we can do to help them. In many cases they are overwhelmed with work, health issues, or family problems, and motivation for classes becomes secondary in importance.
We make an strong effort to let the students know that we are here to help and that we care about the challenges they face. Some students are receptive but others aren't.
I do not have a set way to motivate my students. I have tried multiple things including telling personal stories and letting the students tell their own stories. Some get motivated by the jokes I punctuate class discussions with. Whatever works is what I go with and it is not always the same.
I often think of songs, or ways that students can retain information. I am a medical assistant instructor so often times this will work for me.
I suppose a motivating instructor compliments the student when he or she gives valuable feedback, offers the student a chance to demonstrate their knowledge through critical thinking in-class exercises, and when the instructor displays interest in the content shown in class.
Instructors can be motivating by moving around the room, using emotion and figurative language. Showing passion and enthusisum are also very important ingregients to the learning process.
