Reinforcement as Motivation
How can reinforcement be used to motivate students?
Dr. Meers,
one way i reinforce/motivate my students is to have them taste the food they prepared in class. it isn't hard for me to reinforce/motivate my students because the field offers instant gratification, which in itself motivates the individual and allows them to retain the information better because they enjoyed their lesson.
I constantly re-visit complicated topics that I feel my students need to know. It's always great to see when the light goes on and I know they get it.
By giving encouragement and letting students know that they are doing well and moving forward in their chosen field they will continue to try to get better at what they do. If you just bring them down by always telling them that they are wrong they will not mlearn
What a great idea Deb. I use this idea at the end of the mod to reinforce the validity of the class for them, and always get great answers/feedback. But I am going start implementing this on a Friday toward the end of class to do a "Check Out" before they leave. I usually give exams on Mondays so "Checking Out" might help them stay in the study and thought generating/assimilation mode over the weekend.
Danielle,
Yes it is. What are some way you provide opportunities to develop both motivation and hands on experience and growth?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
motivation and hands on is the key
I like to reinforce the days lesson by showing real life examples of what we covered that day. It allows my students the oppurtunity to see it in action..
Reinforcement can be used to motivate students by showing what they've learned in a period of time. Provide a "Think Quick" at the beginning of class to recap the previous day lesson/lecture. After class give an "Exit Ticket". This will allow students to show the information they have learned for the day.
Kenneth,
Good training for the real world as this is what they are going to face once they are out in the workplace. The more of these learning experiences you can offer them the better.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to motiivat the class with a big project and tell them this is what we have to know too complete this job so thay are motivated to learn the material to see the project from start to finish.
Barbara,
Thank you for sharing this strategy with us. It is a creative and engaging one. I know it will be useful to other instructors that are looking for ways to engage every student.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I love this. I use a tool box in the debriefing portion of class. Each student has to pick a too from the chest and relate their grasping of the objective to it. This is a powerful method in getting shy students to open up.
The reasons for learning what was taught need to be constantly reinforced to to see the forest even tho the trees are in the way.
Bradley,
I use games a lot in my classes as well. You are right about how competition really helps to get the class going and the excitement factor to rise.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jennifer,
I think it makes a big difference as well. The more we can reinforce our students the more their confidence will build and as a result they are going to be more engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I will ask the class in a "game" format of what was covered. Competition helps them retain the days discussion.
I feel like everyone likes to have positive reinforcement in every aspect of their life. It makes us reach for the stars and to pursue our goals. If everything is negative and non-motivational, it doesn't give us the burning desire to do better. I reinforce my students all of the time. I build them up and give them confidence. This in turn shows them I care as well. I feel like it makes a huge difference in the class room.
James,
Thank you for making a number of very good points about student reinforcement. You are right about the need for quick turn around of student assessments and projects. This feedback is so important to keep students engaged and knowing their status in the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
