Organized learning environment,real life experiences/field trips dealing with different subjects/class projects.
Kristina,
They get tired and worn down while in school and reminders like this really help to renew their spirits and get them excited about how far they have come and how much they have learned.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Most students are coming into our school knowing very little or nothing about dental. So be week 3 I try to see if they can tell me different tray set ups for restorative procedures or name 5 instruments and the functions. I try to remind them that one week prior they could only do about half this, so I tell them they will get it as long as they keep working hard it will all make sense before the graduate. Once they notice how far hey have come they feel good!
Providing constant feedback and having empathy for students, yet at the same time encouraging them to do their very best. If a students knows you are depending on them to try hard, they will.
Casey,
This is what makes teaching exciting for the students and fun to be a part of as the instructor. Passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching about it goes a long in in helping "sell" students on what is being taught.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Being prepared and alert to deal with your day to day students and show them new innovative ideas
I believe that differentiating instruction can cause motivation in students as well as instructors. As we are learning in these modules, keeping our attention span in mind as we go through our courses can be critical as far as success. I sometimes take time to look back and reflect on my students journeys of getting where they are and why they chose to be in this program. Identifying key factors of motivation can re-activate motivation itself.
Jerry,
Like the way you approach the classroom. You are showing both application and relevance in terms of what you are teaching. With your extensive preparation you can shift the class in different directions as needed to keep them engaged. I commend you for your preparation and dedication to making the most of your teaching opportunities.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I firmly believe in being well prepared before providing any form of instruction. I spend at least 4 to 5 times the amount of time for presentation in my preparation. I use my real world experiences to express simply ways to attain new knowledge.
I ask many questions about the subject material during the presentations in order to invoke student feedback. If they seem to know what the correct answer is, I then ask why they responded with that answer and how it relates to the skills they will need in the real world. In some situations I may ask them to demonstrate the process to be used out in the field.
Matthew,
These forms of reinforcement and encouragement are great for students to hear and receive. They help to keep the students engaged and moving forward in the course and they build self confidence as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Praising whenever possible when a student nails a response for a question or a formula they should be praised. This helps them to work harder, be more open to participation, and lets them see they have the skills and knowledge to be successful.
Robert,
How do you bring your experience into your classes?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
An instructor can aide in the motivation of students by demonstrating the relevance of the learned subject by its application to the career field - and if applicable - immediately on the job to working adult learners.
being able to bring your experience to the class
things that happen in working shops
Claudia,
Yes it is plus it makes teaching a lot more fun. Student interaction is one of the rewards I get from being a teacher and their learning leader.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think having interaction with students is a great way to teach and improve their learning skills, other times referring to life experiences is also helpful to incorporate to lessons.
Michael,
This type of information sharing is critical. If students don't see the value that is coming from the content and how it can be applied then their motivation and interest is going to drain away. You have them engaged and motivated because you are sharing the relevance of the course on a regular basis.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In my profession, it is my ability to help students find employment using the techniques I instruct and real World applications.
Also, in competitive environments the students can actually "see" the edge they get from my classes. This is more than motivation for most.
Career College Instructors can motivate students by utilizing reinforcement techniques for the group such as grades. Reinforcement techniques for individuals may also help motivate students. Positive reinforcement of skills, high point values, and individual motivating factors may be called upon to further motivate students. Exercising semantic and episodic memory to create success is another technique. Forcing them to use knowledge in a new way (transference) is another way to motivate.
Willie,
Like the balance you have with your instructional delivery. Students like change of pace and variety in their learning delivery and you are doing just that. Guest lectures are a great way to show relevance to students. I have graduates come into class and share their stories. When they leave the students are all ramped up because they see what is being taught is going to be used when they are out in the workplace.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
