Working in groups of 4 -5 students to do in-class assignments seems to get students more motivated than doing individual work. Quiet students may "open up" more when working with their peers. I also use little reward stickers on tests with "A" grades. It seems more appropriate for grade school, but my adult students like them!
Alicia,
Many students are just drifting through their studies so helping them see the future through their goals is a great way to help them realize the value of the education they are receiving.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Karen,
Thank you for sharing this opening exercise with us. This is a great way to get the students talking and sharing with each other. The information that is learned will be extremely valuable throughout the course as reference points and ways to provide support when needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think setting short and long term goals will help the student motivate themselves to achieve what they have set out to do.
On the first day of class, I typically give them an ALL ABOUT ME handout. I ask them to partner up and introduce each other. It helps me learm more about them individually, and allows them to make a friend on day one. I always ask...is there anything you are concerned about that could inhibit your success in this class? This helps me to know what pressures and challenges the individual students might have...transportation, new baby on the way, etc. and allows me to be empathetic right from the start.
Rene,
If they are comfortable with you and have confidence in your ability to help them be successful they will become engaged in the learning process. When this happens there is much satisfaction that can come from being an instructor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Being able to communicate with them, and sharing similar experiences to when I was a student has helped me build credibility and rapport with my students, especially when they may have been struggling with material.
Karen,
You are showing them the future by letting them know the value of the content and how they will be using it. This is what creates ROI for the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Melissa,
I like your style. Go ahead a be a nerd, it is OK. I like being around and listening to instructors that love their field and are excited about sharing their passion for it. You are right excitement is contagious.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kristina,
This is an important part of the instructional process. We need to be able to keep our students forward focused and see the relevancy of what is being taught. This is the only way they are going to stay engaged for the duration of their time in school.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One of the most effective motivation techniques I use is to always tell them why they need to know the information. I follow this up with examples of how the information will be used in their program of study classes, how the information will be used once they are doing their clinical rotations, and lastly when they are working in their profession.
In general, just showing your love and passion for the field. For example, after discussing a particularly detailed metabolic process, I always tend to say something like "isn't the body simply amazing?" Sure, the students think (i.e. know) I'm a nerd, but I find that my excitement is contagious.
I believe that action breeds motivation. If students recognize that they are accomplishing objectives and moving towards their goals they will be more driven. This can be achieved by taking time to review what students have accomplished and looking at what steps need to be taken next to get them to their final destination.
Marvin,
I commend you for your effort with the names. That is a lot of names to remember in a short period of time. Praise and reinforcement really helps students to stay engaged and focused on why they are there. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Knowing the students names can sometimes be a challanging for me, I go thru 30 to 60 students every three weeks. But I try and normally by the end of the 2nd day I got most of them down. Also sometime just an enthusiastic praise, or high five really helps them to feel comfortable with the subject matter. I let them know that they are making great progress and that I'm proud of them.
Zoe,
What other motivation techniques do you use with your students?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
for example ... "if you don't get your butt in gear and get to work you will fail" works every time :)
Tom,
Feedback is a very valuable growth tool for us all. We need to help our students as much as we can with their growth through concise and frequent feedback.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lynne,
You are practicing a host of instructional strategies that are very beneficial to your students. Each strategy gives them opportunity for personal growth and development in the course and their career.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Patricia,
This is how students learn. Take the answer right or wrong and build on it with additional examples and information. Your point is a good one and we need to remember it when interacting with our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
