Hi Erin,
You used the key word-relevancy. Students need to see the relevancy of what they are learning as well as how application can be made of their new knowledge. When this is done the students will be motivated and excited about their learning.
Gary
Leadership is very important. I also think being a strong facilitator encourages learning in the classroom. Facilitating discussion is an art form!
I think a motivating instructor demonstrates the relevancy of the course material to the 'real world.' Students want to know that what they are learning will be used and useful in their career. Examples, guest speakers, and purposeful assignments can all successfully motivate students. Also, believing in the students, listening to their needs and concerns, and making learning fun will motivate students.
Once you get them started you can come back again and again, each time pushing a little deeper. Students love to talk about themselves and when you find a subject about which they are familar you get involvement. I often use the "what if scenario", i.e. If in your current job this happened how would you have reacted before you started this class and how would you react now. If you trust yourself and are confident of the answer you get an Ah ha moment.
I've found that engaging students one on one regarding work they've done in the class goes a long way to projecting a personal interest in their success in the classroom and building trust.
Hi Connie,
You are helping the students to "connect the dots" with your approach. They start to see how what you have done in your career has positioned you to do what you are doing now. This helps to motivate them to complete their studies so they can progress in their careers.
Gary
Hi Tracy,
You are right in your statement about needing to be excited about teaching your area. Enthusiasm spreads just as does disinterest. So spread the excitement and enjoy the results that come from having motivated students.
Gary
I have a list of experiences that I use when instructing my students. I have worked in many different fields and areas that they will be seeing that I willingly share with my students. This does show them that I have been there, done that and that ___ has come out of it. It serves as a reminder that once they learn and work in this career that they are choosing they can go farther in that field just by doing small things.
I think that one of the biggest things that I can do to motivate students is to demonstrate enthusiasm for the topic myself. Showing excitement, relating experiences, asking students for their input and/or opinions and making them feel that they can truly make a difference goes a long way in keeping them excited about what they are learning. Also, by effectively relating to students the importance of the material being learned lets them know that there is a reason to grasp and retain the information.
I give my students real world examples of the lectures. A lot of the time they are personal examples from my field. It shows students that they can do what I do, and that mastery of the material is part and parcel to success in the field.
Hi Susie,
So true! Positive energy generates excitement and enthusiasm for all those involved in the learning setting.
Gary
One way to motivate students is to express genuine enthusiasm for the subject. I often point out the the strength of our learning materials, such as "You know what I like about this book?" or "I think our textbook offers a great example of the point I'm trying to make." Positive energy!
I try allowing them to voice their life experiences from the start of class. However, I find many students need a lot of encouragement. My classes are mostly online. The older student seems to be intimidated by a lot of this technology.
I also let the students share any life/work examples they have had. This seems to "even the playing field" and get them motivated by reducing any inhabitions/stress that may have been keeping them from achieving their full potential. I like to show that I am excited about the coming day, so hopefully they follow my lead.
I look forward to coming into class with excitment and enthusisim. I set parameters in SOP's at the beginning of the course and follow up with the students each day if neccessary. I set clear expectations and maintain an open door and mind to the problems that the students may be having in their quest to succeed.
Hi Mike,
Right you are. By showing your students how the real world operates you are giving them a chance to understand relevancy and application to what they are learning. This is so important to their career development.
Gary
I like to relate how the real world applies to the material that we're learning: this provides the students with a good baseline for how the knowledge can be used
You can be motivating as an instructor if you actively and enthusiasticlly engage your students. You must also make your instruction and examples relevant for them.
I like to smile and give personal experiences and stay enthusiastic over the worst topics. I encourage my students to do the same and it become infectious.
In terms of motivating students or more specifically encouraging students regarding writing assignments, I have come up with a Common Term Paper Mistakes Sheet. This sheet is a list of no nos for paper writing. I carefully go over this with my students and tell them that I constructed this list by recalling the mistakes I made as a student. Presenting my own student foibles helps establish a rapport with my students.
Lori
