Hi Lawrence,
So true and so important. This is the way to get the information burned into their minds and available for use later on.
Gary
Reinforcement is a major key to success. Each student learns differently. I think it is important for the reinforcement.
Reinforcement of skills and/or information can lead to students' "aha" moments. Instructors need to allow students to have thier "light bulb" moments. This aids greatly in motivating.
If the student is motivated, then he or she will continue in the learning process. My favorite way of motivating the students is by congratulate them out loud when they get an answer that is relevant to the subject. It makes them feel so great among their classmates, I can always see it on their faces.
Reinforcement can motivate students when they feel successful in the course. One teacher in our school used 1000 points as the top score on every one of his tests. Students tried so hard and were so excited that they scored well. Another teacher would ring an old antique school bell that he kept in his classroom every time someone earned a high score in his class. One technique that worked when I was teaching high school was to call the parent. Now normally when the English teacher is calling the parent, the storm clouds gather. However, I would just call to say that "little Johnny" had earned the highest score in the class. Then not only the student, but also his parent, felt good about what was happening in junior English.
Hi Craig,
Yes, hard work does pay off. In our culture of instant success and entitlement it is hard to convince students that hard work is still required for success.
Gary
If used effectively and on a randomized basis, reinforcement can be very motivating. Hard work finally pays off.
Some teachers use grades as a form of reinforcement. Students tend to reach for an "A" rather than the material, in my opinion. In my classes, my students strive to fight for a smiley face on thier assignments. I also try to put positive comments on thier papers.
Reinforcement can be used to motivate students to reach thier goals and the goals of the class.
Hi Edwardo,
So true. The affirmation by the instructor is very important to student success and motivation.
Gary
Sharing real world experiences can be an effective motivator.
By Edwardo Mojena
The reinforcement of motivation within a student by a Professor will allow you to keep the flow of learning in the students on going.
I make sure my students always know where they stand. I always post daily and test grades by the end of business each day. That way my students know almost immediately how they performed and get that extra charge when they see they did well.
Hi Destiny,
Good point. The key is to help the students to see the value of what they are learning and how it will help them achieve their career goals.
Gary
Reinforcement can encourage and hold a student accountable to achieve great scores. Once a student understands that he/she will be rewarded for such, this tends to be the motivation for their success. Anyone will work hard to obtain a valuable reward.
Students need to know when they have done well and where they need to improve. When feedback/reinforcement is done in a timely manner it helps students improve leading to motivation. Also timely feedback shows students that the instructor is interested in their learning and wants to help them improve.
Reinforcement can be very motivating. Getting work returned in a timely manner, verbal recognition, a pat on the back, or a class ovation can all be used as motivation. Instructors need to stay away from negative reinforcement and making students feel uncomfortable especially in fornt of the group this will drive them out of the classroom.
Reinforcment can be as simple as good job or a comment on an assignment. I tell students to put their work on the refrigerator like they do for their children and be proud of what they have done.
Hi Christian,
Good to hear. I wish you much success with your teaching.
Gary
Yes, absolutely. Also, thank you Gary for your reply to my previous "camera question" in a prior forum. It makes perfect sense to me.
Hi Christian,
Prompt feedback is so important to students as you know. Thanks for bringing it up in this discussion. Instructors need to keep this strategy in mind as they receive student work and then evaluate it. The sooner the material can be returned the more involved the students will be in the learning process. They want to know where they are at in terms of course progress and this really helps them with this.
Gary
Hi Jennifer,
Well said. This is an important part of our jobs. The more motivation opportunities we provide the greater the retention rate is going to be for our students. Keep up the encouragement.
Gary
