Motivation
I like to praise and re-assure students that we'll all get through a tough subject or class. Teaching fundamentals of math to adult students can put students in to fear mode. I praise them openly when they solve a problem, and constantly re-assure them that they will get through it.
letting the students know that they are doing a good job often will encourage them to do better and motivate them.
I like to point out their strengths and bring to their attention that some of the talents that they have that are simple to them are not so simple for many other people.
G.W.
I praise them when I can and do it often!
In my classes on foundations of writing, I try to show how mastering the fundamentals in important in any endeavor--not just writing. Whether it's math or basketball or football, one needs to continually learn and practice fundamentals or foundations. This analogy seems to help motivate students.
Yes I agree,you're probably teaching adults that failed math in high school due to their teachers inability to reassure and show some empathy.
