Gary,
I think students sometimes forget that we are all former students ourselves. We have set where they are and had to develop our careers just like they are going to be doing. We do have some life experiences to offer them even if they don't think so.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Explain to students that at some point you were sitting in the class room as a student as well.
Give them real world examples of what they will see and information that will help them through the process of working/learning. This will give them a "heads up" so to speak and they will know what to expect.
Jacqueline,
I congratulate you for how you set the stage for learning with your students. You bring your passion for your field to the classroom and then share your enthusiasm for teaching about it with your students. This generates their excitement and they become a part of the total learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I is so easy for Instructors to forget who this class is intended for.You can't make it all about you or you will lose the interest of the student. here are a few examples that I incorporate in my class:
1. I let the students bring me questions in a chapter that we are working in and let them know that it could possibly be part of a test.
That way I know they have read the material assigned.
2. I give them the opportunity to discuss things in the chapter that was confusing to them.
When I do this they know I am concerned about their learning process.
3. I let them know that the job they are about embark upon after graduation and receiving their license is very rewarding for the clients and them.
I share my experiences,energy, animation love, and, joy with them so they will know what to expect.
I love my job as a Licensed Massage Therapist and they can tell by the way I talk about it.
Michelle,
Passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching about it is essential. When we bring these two elements to class our students get excited and increase their engagement in the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If we are excited about what we are teaching the students they will in return be just as excited to learn it.
Angela,
This is what makes their education real. They learn about opportunities and then take advantage of these events in a way that expands their contacts and knowledge.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Giving them opportunities to participate in events relative to their field. I had a student who I told them about MAGIC in Las Vegas. As a result, we found information on how that student could attend.
Mary,
You make a number of very good points in relation to how we can provide motivation opportunities for our students. They need to see our passion for our field and our enthusiasm for teaching about. When they do we will see their excitement spread and learning will expand for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Effective motivation techniques should include immediate positive feedback when students participate in class. It is motivating when an instructor affirms a good point and encourages class discussions more than straight lecturing. When students feel involved in the process and what they contribute is positive, they may be more likely to recommend the course or school to others. Affirmation on written assignments that meet the criteria creates an environment where the student will want to improve. Also, an authentic enthusiasm for the subject is motivating to learn it at a deeper level.
I agree that they all need something to get them going. We do pins for President's List, Deans List and Perfect attendance that can be worn or displayed and Certificate's as well.
Shannon,
This is a little extra reward they can earn for effort and helps with the motivation factor. It makes them feel good and work a bit harder to earn the points and feel good about themselves.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One thing that I use are bonus points. If a student does really well I will hand out bonus points for them to use on any test, homework or quiz. Usually it's 5 points, but they love getting them and it gives them motivation to do better!
Philip,
Students need ongoing reinforcement as they get settled into a new course. This is how they will build their self confidence and realize that through hard work and self discipline they can be successful. Thanks for making this point we need to remember it as we interact with our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found that most of my students lack self-confidence. by me always telling them "your doing a great job", it seems to have a big impact on their learning!
Edwin,
Good point, thanks for making it in this forum. It is amazing how reinforcement can help a struggling student to stay in school and become a part of the class. Knowing the teacher cares about him or her is valuable in building student confidence.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Recognition is a great motivator in a class environment. Energetically recognizing someone in class not only motivates the one being recognized, but motivates others to be recognized in the same way.
Andrea,
When you share these stories you are increasing the value of the content you are offering your students because they get to see through these stories both the application and relevancy of what you are teaching. This is why they are so important to share.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As an instructor of laboratory program I am able to provide many hands on opportuities that relate directly to the field, while also sharing many stories of past experiences that have made a difference in the health care of real people. You can feel the difference in the classroom when you begin a meaningful story and the students are really attuned to the importance of the lesson related to the story.
I routinely have classes of 35-40 students. I give them small 1-2 questions quizzes at the start of every class. Since the quizzes are short, the grading time is not very time consuming, and I can learn every student's name by the 4th class. I have gotten props from many students about how I learn their names very quickly and how much they appreciate it.
I also make it a point to tell them to correct me if I butcher their name or if they would like to be referred to as another name.
