Hi BJ,
I think this is a very "responsible for their own learning" type of approach. They are going to be more invested in the instructional process because they are making the content selection.
Gary
To encourage students to become self-motivated independent learners, instructors can do the following:
* Give frequent, early, positive feedback that supports students' beliefs that they can do well.
* Ensure opportunities for students' success by assigning tasks that are neither too easy nor too difficult.
* Help students find personal meaning and value in the material.
* Create an atmosphere that is open and positive.
* Help students feel that they are valued members of a learning community.
Since we have a textbook with more chapters than we can cover in a term and since my class isn't a prerequisite to any other classes, I have allowed my students to choose the chapters they are interested in learning about. I have them work in groups the first day to select those chapters they find interesting and relevant. This allows them to take a role in their own learning.
Hi Charisma,
Yes it is a good method. Students like to hear about how you approached different situations. These examples help them to see the relevancy of what they are studying.
Gary
Attempt to single out one or two skills each student has and motivate each student to use and perfect those skills; this motivates them to attempt new skill-sets.
One of the best motivation techniques is using your own personal examples as a success story. This gives you the ability to further connect with the students and gives them a more personal and tangible example of success.
Keep the lessons fun yet focussed. Keep the students on their toes with suprise questions to involve student comment and participation.
I like to ask open ended questions to get them to really think. I prefer less lecture and more discussions
Hi Katrina,
This story is a sad one. I cannot imagine what this professor was thinking. He must have had some wires crossed in his brain to get satisfaction from belittling students. You make a good point and one that we need to always keep in our minds as we lead a class.
Gary
I can clearly state one method that does not work and that is humiliation and heckling. I once had an instructor who would pick on people to answer questions and then humiliate and call them stupid if their answer wasn't what he wanted. Absolutely nothing posotive came from that class. It had a high drop out rate and I never retained anything other than a large disliking of that professor from that class!
I am a new instructor as such I only offer what I remember from my college classes and from mentors in my workplace. Effective motovation techniques that work in the classroom and out are: energy and positive enthusism for your career, personal experiences and thorough knowledge of your content. Many of my patients have commented on my positive attitude and energy every time they see me. When I have to discuss a medical topic with them or educate them on anew medication, I thoroughly discuss the topic, ask questions and request that they demonstrate or explain it back to me. That way I know that they understand and this usually leads to multiple questions that during a simple verbal explanation might not.
Role modeling is a good motivational technique.
Students are significantly motivated when they are given real-world experiences as examples and the positive outcomes of those experiences. It also helps greatly to be motivated when speaking to students as they can quickly sense when an instructor is going to be boring. Instructors who are enthusiastic when teaching tend to develop much better relationships and rapport with students.
I provide a real life scenario so I can connect the class room material to a real life experience. If students can understand the application of the knowledge and able to apply material, then they will be motivated.
for example if I have a students that like practical examples, I teach my class using materials they can touch
It is important to look for new and different ways to present the material you are teaching. It will help you as a teacher stay interested and enthusiastic about the class and that in turn will help motivate the students.
Hi Carlos,
Good point. What are some ways you focus in on the positives for your students?
Gary
always focus on the positive of each student
Hi Nancy,
Application and relevancy the two key elements of learning success. Good strategies to accomplish both of these.
Gary
I will ask the students if they have ever been in a situation that required this knowledge or share how this information helped me or someone I know personally.
I also let them know how useful this information will be to them in their future.
