Often, when I demonstrate a technique. I point out to the student that it has been many years to develop these skills. I relate the journey that it took to master these skills. Find small steps of improvement to help the students feel that they do not have to master a technique the first time.
An effective motivation technique is to change up the assignments and teaching techniques and make them different from what they are used to. Novel changes in the way that the information is delivered can re-excite the students in the topics at hand. I also like field trips to broaden horizons in their field. Getting them excited about their chosen field helps to motivate them in the classroom.
Practical application is extremely important for the student. Students need to know that what they are learning can indeed help them in thier career path. Also being truly excited about the material and the course also does help. I always like to tie the information with what motivates the student or why they are in school in the first place. Once this is done the student tends to stay on the path no matter what.
Hi Louis,
Good examples of how you can helps students see relevancy to what they are studying. Also, by giving the example of the student that worked 50 per week and yes was able to be successful in school is way to show them that anyone can be successful in school if they want it bad enough. They have to be invested in their own lives if they want to be successful and achieve their career goals. Success depends on how "hungry" you are and if you are willing to put forth the effort to capture the vision you have.
Gary
I used my past experience working in the military as a motivational tool for my students. I also use my personal experience when I started working as a young 15 year old dishwasher and moved my way up the ranks to be lead line cook.
I try to relate to students and their age level and for those a little older than me, I tell them about a student I once had in class who worked 50 hours a week and was still able to come to school and get high marks in her tests and finals.
To me, personal experiences does two things: a) it builds rapport with students and b) it shows what it take to succeed in life.
I always tell my students that "If you want to play hard... you gotta work hard!"
Some examples of motivation techniques that career college instuctors can use in their classes include using past experince to help illuminate and inform the topics that we teach.
I believe one of the most effective motivation techniques is to help the students recognize how the information being provided in the classroom is applicable to and can support their objectives in the real world. With this linkage, the students will then be self-motivated and it will be less incumbent on the instructors to provide the motivation.
Hi Micheal,
Sounds like your classes are a lot of fun, fast moving and high energy. This approach helps to keep the students engaged and focused on their learning.
Gary
I have found that motivating students in my classes is a hard thing as the subjectis are mostly memorization. However I have found that asking them questions about what they have already learned and rewarding them for the correct answers is very motivational for them. They seem to be more involed in class that way as well, If I do not ask questions and get feedback from them they seem not to do as well in class. Also relating the terms of class to real problems or issues that can arise in the field of study also seem to help as well.
I have found that a real motivator for students is showing them how the information relates to their current or future jobs. When I see the "light bulb" come on, then I know I have reached the students. It seems as though once the "switch" is turned on then the students are eager to hear and do more.
Another motivator is asking the students to apply what they have learned to their current work environments. I ask students how they would would change things or do things differently in their current jobs based on what we learned in class that day.
Real world experience. Case studies, simulations, hands on projects. These are great motivation techniques. Students need to be able to apply what they learn and feel good about the work that is assigned if they can relate it to the real world.
Allowing students to perform in class to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts and real world application.
A motivational technique used in my program is to display student work. Not all work is displayed; only work that meets standards for public display. Students are competitive and will be motivated to work towards this goal.
Another motivational technique is to tailor student projects to real world activities. Students can use the information and skills learned almost immediately. This keeps their interest up and motivates them to attend and participate in class.
I have had great success with this; if you get the right one it really offers the students a new experience and they enjoy hearing from someone else about the material; normally done with an emphasis on the real world.
Getting Student feedback on this is always a good idea; ask them straight up.
I agree and it is up to us to bring that out; we can state our own experiences, or prior students' experience; what is great is when you get students in that class with stories that fit the moment as well; they really get motivated because they have contributed to the class.
I am enthusiastic and I try to sell my students on why what we are learning is important to their educational goals; I have high energy, I walk among them and I rarely use powerpoint presentations. The lights are up and I am energized; I get on the board and write with a flourish as I deliver the material. My whole presentation is energized and enthusiastic; then of course you do interject quiet moments and lower the tone of your voice to mix things up. I am prepared and I do not use notes at all; nor do I tie myself to the text. If I found myself with a new class where I might need some guidelines, I would write an outline on a piece of paper, and look at it every now and then.
I give constant possitive and negative feedback, that way they don"t dwell on the negative comments.
Letting students relate personal experiences related to the topic and offering positive reinforcement when their examples truly help illustrate the point.
I also bring in guest speakers, I have found that having someone in their age group who is working in the field motivates but, also opens eyes to the importance of the base skills that school is teaching them
