Motivation
I find that when I provide a real life reason for taking my course, thus making it their course, and then add the four essentials of motivation, students respone.
Hi William,
Thanks for sharing this walk through with us in how to deal with a student that has need of some kind of support. This is a good way to be supportive of the student while sending a clear message about wants needs to be done if the students is going to be successful.
Gary
If they aren't quite with it, I try to schedule a conference. "Hey Suzy, can I have a few moments of your time on a break or after class?" Then I sit down with Suzy somewhere private and start simply, "how are you doing?" I ask this question very sympathetically. Sometimes Suzy will divulge plenty of useful information immediately.
Suzy usually knows she isn't "with it" and that is why I am talking to her. Usually, it's not something directed personally at me. Perhaps something is going on outside of class. Or she is just having a hard-time "getting it." That's a great time to ask more questions. "Is it my teaching style that isn't working for you, Suzy? Are the assignment guidelines unclear? Is there something about the classroom atmosphere that makes it harder to learn?"
Notice how none of these questions point fault at Suzy. I phrase the questions this way because I believe it increases my probability of getting her motivated and on track. Plus, too often, a non-motivated student has a tendency to be complacent to your reasoning as an instructor. Give the student the opportunity to provide you with insight that will be useful to your goals as an instructor. Be emphathetic and don't accuse. Resist the urge to say, "Get with it, Suzy!!!" Although, that could be appropriate in a few particular instances.
Hi Cynthia,
I work hard at getting them up to speed in the course. This can be done through individual support sessions and projects. I encourage them to try certain activities that I assign to them. Once they see how success can be their they start to become involved more and excited about what they are accomplishing.
Gary
What do you do when you have students that aren't quite with it
