Hi Charles,
I use some type of activity where the students work in groups and then report out. If you are using current events you can bring something current in and the students can react to the event(s) in relation to their field. By using 15-20 minutes at the beginning of the course this way they get to talking and focused on the upcoming course lecture.
Gary
Dr Meers,
What motivations technique do you suggest when you have an early morning class and everyone is sluggish and reluctant to be verbally contributory?
Sometimes I will use current events to build some excitement.
It's difficult to think of anything that hasn't already been mentioned. What is here already is quite good. I'll add this: some students just like to have fun. If we can make learning fun, even self-directed learning, then our students may work on their assignments rather than play their video games.
As much hands-on demonstration with constructive feedback assists students stay motivated in their course/program and their future.
Calling them by name, interacting, letting them know and show that they have accomplished course objectives
I agree1, I think listening to peers in your study area helps motivate students and also understand the what it takes to be successfull
Yes !!! I agree. Having students share experiences that are relevant to the topic is so motivating. They feel part of the class and feel they fit in with others. It builds commraderie among them.
Hi Patricia,
I think this is a great way of getting students engaged in discussions and class participation. They get to talk about their own experiences but in the context of the career area. This really helps them to buy in to the course.
Gary
In my claseses, we have "quick" discussions and sharing of practical applications of learning to chosen careers and professions. Students can bring their life/ work/previous learning experiences "to the table." These "quick" discussions cause students to think beyond the classroom.
I think that demonstrating whenever I can in each class how the concepts we are studying can be applied in the students' workplace is a good motivator. I usually introduce the topic for a given class meeting by giving some examples of how the concepts can be applied, reinforce that during the class period, and summarize the class by again referring to specific examples of application. It's great if some of the students have brought up their experiences during the class and we can refer back to them during the summary.
Establishing personal goals during the first week, and going over each of them during the middle and end of the course for the first hour or so of class. I think it makes an important cognitive and emotional connection between the student and the content of the course.
I find that bringing their interest in help get them involved in the lesson and solves some of their problem with things the ran into.
Hi Ann,
I like this approach. You are making it real for your students by bringing in what you have been working on during the day as an example. This shows the students that you are competitive in your field and that if they work hard they can learn so much from you so they to can be successful as graphic designers.
Gary
By relating the text book material to real life work that they will do. In other words, support the instructional material with real life applications.
Enthusiastically sharing stories about my day job as a graphic designer and showing them examples of my best produced pieces as they relate to the instruction. In other words, the information/knowledge and instruction has value, because they can see the results in their hands.
In the History and Theory class I bring up current events that are similar to those we are discussing to let the students connect more to history.
Always pointing out something positive about the work they are doing, and offering suggestions on how to improve it even more, rather than only pointing out what is wrong. Also, recognizing them for their effort.
I think allowing learners to practice what is taught really helps. After discussing a concept I try to have a small assignment that lets them use the new information right away, in class.
I think first and foremost is my enthusiasm for not only my subject matter, but for being in the classroom, being their instructor. Secondly, I need to have a sense of each student's personality, and career goals, so that I can specifically address them during the class, as well as outside of class. Showing a student that I care, that I am interested, and that I have listened to them, are effective motivating tools.
Hi Daryl,
Good point about relating personal experiences. This is part of showing the relevancy of the course content because you have used that content in your own career.
Gary
