I find bringing in experts from the industry to critique their works and projects very motivating for the students. Its like their measurement of how much skills they already have and how much more they need to learn.
I think that hands on experiences in a class environment are great tools for motivation techniques. It might be that is the type of class that I teach (IT)
Hi Lora,
Good way to incorporate the different learning strategies into your presentation. The students start to see the connections you are making and how they apply to their lives plus they stay engaged as a result of these activities.
Gary
I fully agree. Adult learners are just bursting with experience and they are waiting to share it. I work at a career college and we have students of all ages. Our more "seasoned" learners are great when they share their experiences with the younger students, who don't have as much work/life experience.
I have found that my paralegal students become excited and engaged when I can relate a book concept to an appropriate movie. For example: "Erin Brockavich" is an excellent movie demonstrating a real life dilemma on many fronts. It demonstrates to students qualities real life paralegals need to have. It demonstrates that commitment and dedication will have far reaching effects, not just an immediate financial effect, but will impact in a significant way to the well-being of other human beings - the real Erin B continues to be immersed in environmental/class action suits. Taking students on field trips such as the local court house to see personnel play out their roles in the court room is motivating. Text book concepts come alive. My own personal professional experiences connect the text book to real life - the future "real life" the student will have through perseverance and dedication. Allowing students to share their personal experiences to connect to the text book, learning, and the future "real life" is a major motivator, I think, as it gives value to their past experience(s) in contributing to their futures. A student's past experience being valued as a building block to their future, it seems to me, demonstrates in a real way that no living or life is lost or worthless.
I wholeheartedly agree. Making it real - making it relevant - allows them to step out of the classroom (mentally) and into a real life situation where they can (in their own mind) apply what they have learned.
I agree! When students can hear about real life experiences they get motivated. Real life situations in their career choice. When the information they have been learning is starting to all come together, they get excited!
Effective motivational techniques are important to maintain the interest of students. Some techniques could be individual recognition and saying "excellent question" after they ask a question in class. Also giving positive feedback for successful assignments.
I like to focus on building a sense of community within the classroom. By having students make connections with each other (and the instructor), they feel like they have someone to help them through any difficulties they encounter. We all know what it is like to have to go it alone, that feeling that there is no one there to help you. I think the students feel more motivated to learn and come to class when they have someone there can count on there beside them, whether that is the instructor or other students.
My students get really excited about guest speakers & getting a chance to listen and ask questions of other experts in the field.
Hi Marigrace,
I think sharing your life experiences also helps your students value what you are sharing with them. You have lived many different experiences and as a result you know what it takes to be a success. This helps your students to see you as a role model for the career area you are helping them to prepare for.
Gary
I use visual aids to assist me in motivating my students. I look for an interactive activity to introduce the subject I will be lecturing on. This grabs their attention initially. I draw on personal experience or an experience that was shared with me in the past to help assist in the learning process. If I am excited about the topic, then the motivation will follow.
My personal experience coming from a third world country. I tell my students stories about the way of life there and how can they help people especially children from impoverished nations when they become successful. This really touch their hearts.
Students can be motivated when the instructors shows enthusiam and interest in the students. By walking around during lecture, using visual aids and assessing the students knowledge, students can be motivated. Also, if the instructor offers tutoring and shows a personal interest in the students life, this can also be a motivating factor.
This is very true Abraham. Most adult students feel a sense of importance when they can show how their professional experiences relate to the class discussion.
This is a very good idea Scott. I never thought to do this because I just assume the students know how to do this or learn this through the school's orientation.
There are great ways to motivate students in the classroom. It is important as an instructor to develop a great relationship with your students so they will feel comfortable to ask you questions and continue to give their best in the classroom. A reward system is a very good method as well as using creative activities to keep students interested in the subject area.
When I discuss my personal work experiences with students, and share stories of the workplace, they begin to feel comfortable with sharing their experiences, and have a different outlook at class projects, discussions, etc.
Explain to the students how what they learn will help them in their future career goals
Use scenarios where practical application of topics in a problem situation help to connect the school learning with the real- world applications. Students can start to see how this will aid in succeeding at a real job when problems arise.
