There are some good ideas for motivating the students in the replies to this thread. I particularly like the concepts of allowing the students to share their experiences and also, providing information of former students who are doing well in the field. Another way to incorporate that idea with a third technique mentioned would be to have the former student come into the class as a guest speaker.
I find that the sooner my students view their reinforcement (both positive and negative) the more likely they are to continue to work hard. Although the IADT has a deadline for when work must be graded, I do allow make up assignments for specific units. When students see their grade right away as opposed to 5 days later, they are able to refocus and learn from their mistakes sooner. Some students have complained that they do not receive their grades for make up assignments for weeks, and that is a frustrating process for them, so I try my best to prevent that from happening in my classroom.
Hi Charlin,
You make a good point about enthusiasm needed by the instructor. How do you generate enthusiasm with your students?
Thanks in advance for your input.
Gary
I believe that showing the gained knowlege applied through personal experience is a lifesaver. Quite often a culinary studetn will ask me "why do I need to know about wine and beverage" I can then explain how this type of knowlege allowed me to suceed in the hospitality world.
Encourage there enthusiasm and and interest
Students also need to learn delay of gratification to become productive members of society.
Tell the student he has good technique/skill and you can see the improvement in his self confidence.
What motivates one student may not motivate another; however, one of the most successful techniques I have found for the most students is for them to feel that the teacher is sincerely interested them and their successes. Being their
"cheerleader" so to speak, someone that is excited about their successes and works to help them succeed, can be an effective motivation technique.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for sharing this with us. This is very good information for online instructors to have and use in their class approaches.
Gary
By using examples of successful work in the field or perhaps even having current career professionals used as case studies for the course. Then the student can relate to the professional and apply the knowledge to see an end goal.
Just acknowledging that students are "in the room" (I teach online now, but the concept is the same) and that they are valid contributors goes a long way. I agree with others that immediate and personalized feedback shows them that we are really watching and listening - especially in an online environment.
This is an nice section from EQ:
EQ Volume 30 (2007) » Volume 30, Number 1, 2007 » How Students Develop Online Learning Skills
How Students Develop Online Learning Skills
Good Ideas: How Students Develop Online Learning Skills Successful online students share their secrets for getting the most from online classes, focusing on time management, active participation, and practice
By Alan R. Roper
5. Stay motivated.
Without direct physical contact and interaction with other learners or an instructor, online students can lose their interest or motivation mid-way through their course or program. The graduates who participated in this study were asked what motivation techniques they found most helpful in preventing burnout or loss of interest when studying online. As one student put it, "keeping your eye on the prize" is always helpful. Another student commented, "The main motivator was envisioning myself in cap and gown, walking up and receiving my degree, and having all my dear family and friends in attendance."
Students also mentioned they find motivation in getting a good grade (21 percent) and in setting personal goals (42 percent). One student stated, "I always want to get an 'A' in every course I take. It doesn't matter as much in graduate school as it did as an undergraduate, but it still motivates me."
Some students took advantage of opportunities to work with other online students, using the encouragement and feedback they received from that connection to stay motivated (15.8 percent). One student explained, "I had a friend (in my online courses) that I teamed up with, and we tried hard to make sure we not only finished our assignments, but that we turned in only the highest quality work possible."
Each individual may find something different that works for him or her in staying motivated. One student promised to buy himself a new truck if he completed the degree. With a greater amount of work done independently in online courses, a new online student would be well advised to consider developing personal techniques for staying engaged, specifically by creating a self-motivation plan.
Wow, Kescia, that is a good one. SO many people have negative self-talk. Not sure where that comes from. I suspect it is due to our culture of technology (TV shows where not very many sitcoms provide positive uplifting situation; there's more sense of isolation with the use of texting which cuts down on social positive reinforcement, etc.)
This is why instructors should provide critical feedback as much as possible to student's submissions; always focused on the topic (not personal), provide it in a positive manner, and give compliments as due and more often in an online environment.
I would share my own experiences from when I was in the field, the good and the bad. I would also use the program as a stepping stone to open more career doors if they choose to.
When I teach statistics I have found that it is motivating when I can relate the material to real life examples. It is a class that many students (it is criminal justice statistics) do not find relevant, and it is my job to relate it to their professional lives.
Teaching the students positive self-talk.
relate how and why the course and content is important in studnets' lives
have students participate through discussions, leading a section/team
I agree. Students are also motivated to share when they know the class respects their opinions and wants to learn about their life experiences.
Hi Ines,
Thank you for the excellent comments about how to find balance in teaching while earning the respect of the students. This is a critical element of teaching and cannot be lost or the students will start to disengage from the course.
Gary
Getting to know students is important. Taking time to listen to student's questions and concerns is something not all college instructors take time to do.
