Motivation through Relation
I will often try to relate a course topic or concept with a students job or life experience. This seems to personalize the course, and it helps students retain the information.
I know when I was a student that really helped me. Especially when I was having a hard time understanding something, if I could related to something that I knew it facilitated the learning process.
Hi Melanie,
I taught a class that most students did not want to take out of fear. I found myself searching for methodologies to help me. However, I found was that if I made them comfortable and laughed at myself was the best way to motivate them to "jump right in." The interpersonal communication was key.
I guess almost all of my student would rather be just about anyplace other than the classroom. I do have the advantage of teaching high performance engine building. I try to apply most engine theories to my past or their applications.This seems to generate excitement and the positive results that I'm looking for.
Hi Ron,
Great way to bring both relevancy and application to the classroom. This really makes it real for the students and helps to motivate them to work harder in the course.
Gary
I do as well. For example, if we are exploring a management theory, I will ask if they ever had a boss that illustrates the theory. This is usually no end to the stories. Or if we are discussing finance, I ask them to apply the principle to their personal finances.
