Identifying what they learned and how they applied it will be a key factor in their overall success. Using personal real life experiences will also help with the reinforcement.
Keeping students motivated is a tough task. You consistently find creative ways to keep students engaged.
LaNeisha,
These are great ways to get students motivated. I use guest speakers frequently in my courses and the really impact my students. The students see that what I am teaching them is based upon what they will be using in the field. Seems they never thought of that before until recent graduates shared with them that in fact they are using the contents of the course in their workplaces. That is when the students got all excited about learning what they needed to in the course. Made me smile.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I get to know my students by name within the first week, by the second week I know a little bit about each student so I can connect with them. To motivate them to do well on their exams I give a mock exam or class competition on the material one to two days before to test their skills and build their confidence in their abilities to know the matierial.This motivates them to want to do well and the friendly competition shows other students that they have achieved the goal.
Some examples of effective motivation techniques that career college instructors can use in their classes would be guest speakers previous students or pat co-workers; this give students a glimpse of the field and what they are working towards. Another way to motivate students can be through filed trips and hand on community activites that is related to their field. Acknowledgement of hard work and accomplishment is also a motivator for students; maybe they had struggles through the term but acknowledgement how well they did inspite of their situatuion is also a great motivator.
Cynthia,
Students like variety and change of pace. By offering both you keep the students engaged and appeal to their learning preferences.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Deborah,
Students like to hear stories from their instructors about the experiences they have had. These stories help to make the instructor more "real" in their eyes as well as helping the students to see the relevance of what is being taught. You are right about the value of this type of sharing as being very motivational.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A good exmple of effective motivation is having a good balance in teaching delivery method
Brenda,
I think this method reflects on the difference between and among students. If they have achieved the competencies then they are ready to move on. The instructor can feel good because he or she knows that that student has the knowledge and skills needed to move to the next level. A win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One motvating technique I used is to share my story when I went to a career college and the different challanges that I had to overcome. And to show them that they can also overcome. Reinforcing postivie feedback instead of letting the student speak negative against themselves when they don't get the answer right the first time,or even the second or third attempt.
At our campus we give out certificates for differnt achievements along with allowing students early dismissal if goal is attained
Mary,
Yes it does. Sharing stories from the field help to make the content come alive for the students and shows the relevance of what is being taught.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One way to motivate students is to share stories about work experiences that relate to the subject being discussed. This illustrates the "real world" application and relevance of what they are studying.
Liz,
Great teaching techniques. This is what teaching should be about. You have your student looking forward to coming back to class the next time to get the answer to the question raised or mystery created. This makes learning fun for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always like to motivate my students by challenging them on a daily basis with some form of activity. I would also make sure that I gave them some form of a "cliff hanger" when we were going to be on an extensive holiday break. This allowed them to want to come back and show me what they had done or find out what was going to happen next. Making learning challenging and fun can often motivate individuals to do better and feel better about themselves.
Sandy,
Good way to get to know your students quickly as well as helping them to stay engaged since they know you know their names and that you might call on them at anytime.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Brady,
These are all great methods to use. Seeing professionals in the field really gets students excited because they want to be like those people and they quickly realize that to get there they are going to have to work hard and be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I start from day one calling them by their names. I also like to keep them on their toes by asking them review questions after lectures.
Opportunities to use technical items - such as Video Teleconferences with key people. Meet certain levels in the classroom earn certain visits to local, related businesses. Even simple events - during a review, give out candy for correct answers, etc.
