Bringing in former graduates who are successful in the field tends to work very well, especially with open forum discussions afterward.
I encourage the students to share their experiences that have taught them lessons. Even if its not related to the field of study.
Another technique that can be applied is to let the student teach a particular skill or concept, because you are correct, students must understand the material in order to teach it. Then through the process of teaching it to others, they are reinforcing the knowledge within themselves.
I have seen that when students that are in the field share their daily duties it helps motivate others to get into the field
An effective motivation technique is using diagrams reletive to course discussion. Illustations are also very helpful. Make the class room material as exciting as possible. Keep the students involved in the discussions. Have as many group projects as possible.
Hi Tonya,
Another great idea for getting students involved in a subject area that often causes much anxiety. This sounds like a fun activity for everyone.
Gary
I teach math and one strategy that I have found that motivates students is taking there career focus they wrote about in their introduction and make story problems about these topics. I also will put student names in story problems. It sounds silly but the students that listen to the archives will email me and tell me how surprised and cool they thought it was.
its all about class and lab participation the more they participate the more fun they can have
Hi Anthony,
I love hearing success stories like this. Shows the impact instructors have on the lives of their students. Keep up the motivational talks, you are making a difference.
Gary
Hi Kimberly,
I think your approach of writing with your students is a great way to help to develop their writing skills while you are earning their respect and establishing rapport.
Gary
Motivation is very important in getting a student from point A to point B. The student must be able to see a reward at the end of the class through his hard work and efford.
I have used positive feed back on a couple of students that refused to be motivated throughout the course. A few years later they were both a success. One came back and said I never forgot what you told me. That has changed me to believe that there is hope for any student, weak and strong.
I think students are motivated when an instrutor uses their work in the course, to show other students how they did something well or to present a certain idea. Often, when we use a student's paper during a workshopping session, I hear back from the student about how helpful it was. Another technique I use in my writing class is to write with the students. I pick a topic and work through the steps with them.
I like to make the students participate in the lecture and share their own experiences by sharing stories that pertain to the information being presented in class.
Hi Robert,
It is fun to be with someone that has passion and excitement about something. Showing your enthusiasm to your students about your field is what sells with your students.
Gary
My biggest motivating factor is being enthusiastic and energetic about the topic. This keeps the students interested in the topic and helps them understand easier.
One motivation technique I have found to be effective is real life experiences. Sharing their own stories is a great way for others to be motivated.
Hi Robby,
Students really like this real life stories don't they? They help to make the content real to them.
Gary
Motivational techniques that i find helpfull are real life scenarios of what is going on in the classroom. that paints a picture of what to expect when they enter their careers
Some times just letting your students know that they are valued and that you believe in thier success can go a long way. I allow students to share in class to help each other out. We use study groups to allow students to help each other.
Quizes in forms of Jeopardy games helps students gain little successes. Listening to students when they just need to talk. Encouraging, praising, and allowing them to have thier "aha" moments.
