Kevin,
Good idea. This is great training for when they are in the workforce. They need to develop the self discipline to be on time and in attendance each time the class meets because their employer will expect the same of them when they are working.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Attendance competitions. We get students into teams and then give out awards for the teams with the best attendance at the end of the term.
Olga,
Well said. We need to bring our passion for our field and our enthusiasm for teaching about it to class each time we meet. If we do this our students will become a part of our excitement and the motivational process begins.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Teachers should be more motivated than our students, we are the example to follow, always arrives to class smiling, projecting good energy, having a good communication.
Enjoy your work all this is reflected in its class.
Jason,
This is a very good point because these informal chats and student interactions are some of the most fun when it comes to teaching. Getting to know students in this way gives you insight into their backgrounds and career goals. This is information helps you to build on their performance in class and growth in their career skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
stay active with the student and try not to let them feel like he or she cannot come talk to you on an informal basis
James,
Like your approach as you are creating a little mystery to what you are sharing with them. You are giving them the inside scoop on how to have a successful career and I am sure this really gets their attention. This is what learning should be about so keep up the sharing.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I make a point of giving examples where I let them in on a secret: these are the techniques that higher ups in the business hope you never master or even learn about. Or I describe how knowing what I'm about to share would've had a huge positive impact on my career if I'd only known about this when I started out.
It keeps them interested.
Amanda,
You and your students are going to like the results of playing games and interacting with each other.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think I will incorporate games into my next class. I think the students will really enjoy it and it will be an entertaining way to review for the next test. Thanks for the suggestion. Family Feud or Jeopardy will be perfect.
Andrea,
Well said in terms of the necessity of connecting the content to career success. They need to see why the content that is being offered is in the curriculum and how it applies to their career growth. When they do they start to see the relevance of the course to their future.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Pauline,
It is amazing how little things like this can really motivate students. I try to keep in mind that adult learners are just taller children so they respond to treats and recognition just like kindergarten students do.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Effective motivation techniques:
1. Positive comments on their rubrics with reinforcing statements....add a few smiley faces too!
2. Asking the student if you can use their work as an example to show to other classes
3. In computer classes, I ask students who are pick the work up quickly and are finished with their assignments to "assist me" with others
Clarity of expectations and enthusiasm from the instructor are huge motivators for students. In addition, for those who teach General Education courses, demonstrating clear connections of course content to career fields is extrememly important in motivating students.
positive postcards, treats certificates
I find that giving students problems which include real-world conditions are highly motivational. Students want to be prepared for the situations they will encounter.
Cindy,
Quick feedback and reinforcement that is supportive are two very powerful motivators as you have said. We need to remember both as we interact with our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that positive reinforcement takes me a long way with the students. Who doesn't like to hear good positive things about themselves? I grade my students assignments as soon as the turn them in and do the same with quizzes and tests. I want them to see how they did immediately and spend time going over it as a group.
Hi Nieva,
Guest Speaker is a very effective strategy. could you imagine that getting the information for someone who has been through the same situation is powerful. My students always ask their mentor about which test review they use for their national board exam. And when they continue to see that a particular review has worked for many licensed nurses, they know where they are going and what it will cost them in terms of sacrifice and effort. Great Point Nieva.
James,
Good point. This is how you engage students. By personalizing the content students start to see the value of the course in relation to their career goals. When this happens you have the "ah-ha" moment and they get it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
