I always thought you needed to show like you cared about the class and wanted to be there yourself. If the teacher doesn't act like he cares about the class, why should the students.
Hello again Doc,
Two of several ways I have found to become a motivating instructor are;
1)Learn about the student and his expectations of the course. Then reference aspects of the learning experience that have a direct correlation to that student.
2)Show them samples and stories of my and others I know accomplishments to demonstrate the positive realistic achieve-ability of their goals.
Cheers,
Johnny
I think you have to sell your product. If you are excited about the material, they will be more likely to catch your energy. One challenge I have is trying to sell Macroeconomic theory to duel credit high school students. It is a challenge to get them interested in it when their main concern is homecoming or prom. I was that age at one point too, and I know it is their focus but, sometime they just don't care enough about the world they are walking into. Any ideas?
I also use real world experence tell them the more they learn the more the can earn
That is a good idea that can also be applied to the online environment particularily later in the week when contact the time pressure begins to hit students. It can help to refocus the weeks academic topics.
In the online environment it is important to maintain an active presence in the class. We want students to access the course at least 2 to 3 a week, we should expect more of ourselves.
It is important to have a presence in the discussion early in the week to encourage early student interaction. It is difficult to have the time to spend on disucssion or student success contacts early in the week with grading deadlines but helps encourage timely quality work by students.
Motivating students is important and sometimes difficult. Understanding students reason for attending college and taking an instructor's course helps to establish how the instructor needs to motivate the student.
I focus on acknowledging the student's needs and providing individual feedback on assignments, problems and discussion topics. Each student has specific needs and by responding to them individually, I demonstrate my commitment to them and my desire for them to be successful.
When grading assignments, I provide them tips and references for those questions they missed. This provides them the tools to review the question and understand where they went wrong.
Instructors must project knowledge and confidence in their subject matter. But most importantly, in my opinion, is that they must recognize the strengths and weaknesses of their students and adapt instruction to these parameters.
I like to motivate my students by telling little anecdotes and joking with them. This grabs their attention and makes me more relatable as an instructor. If they enjoy being in the classroom and the instructor, and can relate the info to their own fields and lives, then they are more apt to stay in the class and learn effectively.
I agree, Tanner, that sharing both positive and negative experiences as "do's and don'ts" can be very effective. Sometimes the students will then be able to relate not only to the instructor as a human being who isn't always necessarily "right" but also may be able to relate to the story.
When I was teaching in the classroom prior to moving to the online environment, I sometimes used "surprise" techniques with an activity at the beginning of class to get their attention and before introducing the topic. One activity that was very effective involved the subject of personal space/territory. I had everyone leave their belongings on the tables and stand up around the perimeter of the room. I then walked around the tables and moved some of their items from where they had left them, causing most of the students to become agitated because I had invaded what they had claimed as their "space" at the table. It only took a few minutes, but made quite an impact and generated curiosity about the purpose. When they sat back down, they all moved their items back into their "territory" and gave me the perfect opportunity to discuss the topic of why they become emotional when someone invades their space without permission. The students seemed to really enjoy the activity, and trying something fun like this every couple of weeks usually kept them motivated to attend class.
I agree totally. Our students look to us to set the tone in the classroom and as an example and sometimes as a mentor. We need to remember that our students may not have any other role model but us and that we need to conduct our classroom and ourselves accordingly.
Although difficult at times, walking into the classroom every day with enthusiasm is the best movitation. I think that my enthusiasm and energy helps the students become more enthused and motivated also. This extends to returning assignments and commenting positively on the papers as I distribute them. It means remembering a comment a student made earlier or in a jounral entry (only if appropriate) and introducing it to the class and letting the student explain it him or herself.
Dolores Kiesler
You can be excited about life and what you do! If I am checked out so are the students. I think it is important to do what we can to stay on top of the game for our students.
I think instructors can be motivating, by offering encouragement to their students as well as motivating them to do their best. I offer my students weekly encouragement statements as well as provide positive feedback on their assignments.
Many times I use my grown children's experiences in college to illustrate ways to be successful. The students can see that I do understand that life sometimes gets in the way and I can offer suggestions on what does and does not work in various situations.
There has to be a great deal of personal passion for teaching and for students. Setting clear goals and expectations are two of the major goals that need to be set. Also for adult learners, optimize on their learning experiences throughout life that they have brought to the classroom. If we isolate this life long learning, our be able to be accomplished.
Hi Chris,
Good outline of what it takes to conduct an effective and efficient class. Each item you mention contributes to the progress of each student throughout the duration of the course.
Gary
In my opinion motivation is all about creating a developmental atmosphere. The students must feel like they can contribute and learn in a "safe" environment. Where they can express opinion freely and they can take a wild guess without being ridiculed by others. Where they can present a new idea and be taken seriously. And maybe most importantly, where we can all have a little fun along the way.
I feel that I am a motivating instructor just by helping the students keep an eye on their goal. Sometimes it is difficult for them to see the "light at the end of the tunnel", but reinforcing this to them seems to keep that motivation up.
