I think it has been stated, but I also like to share my experiences (both positive and negative) with the students. Hopefully it will give them a best practice approach as they move and advance in their careers. I also find it useful if they exchange their personal work experience with the class. When can then build upon our collective experiences into scenarios that we all can learn from.
We as instrctors have to be motivators. It is our responsibility. We can encourage and motivate in so many different ways. Be patient and understanding. Remind your students why they took the class.
Here are few things I do to motivate my students:
1. I give them praise and feedback in every class
2. I send a daily email after each class letting know, in written form, how they were able to accomplish the goals for that day, or what needs to be done in the next class in order to get there.
3. I make my classes relevant to their present and future work and career goals.
4. I am enthusiastic about what I teach and my class!
We as instrctors have to be motivators. It is our responsibility. We can encourage and motivate in so many different ways. Be patient and understanding. Remind your students why they took the class.
The way to motivate students is to be excited about the material. Some material may be drab and boring even to the instructor, but if this comes across to the student, the student is less likely to become interested. The student is looking to the instructor to evaluate how important the material is in relation to the student's career goals. If we are always excited about the material, they will be also.
Hi Philip,
You are right about the need for enthusiasm on the part of the instructor. Some days it is hard but we have to bring our A game to the classroom and let the students know we are serious about learning occurring that day.
Gary
I can be a motivating instructor by following the steps outlined in the modules. For me, it is important to show enthusiasm--even on days when it may be a challenge. Of particular importance is to show empathy. I have many students who fit the descriptions in the lesson. Also, I strive to communicate the material in my class clearly.
By being a mentor and a role model. If students can see your success without you even telling them, it makes them want to sorta be where you are. Especially if you have already obtained what they are trying to get. Motivating instructors are also encouraging, and some even go the extra mile to help those troubled students.
Enthusiasm is contagious. Great teachers need to become more enthusiastic about their subject matter.
Hi Al,
I am sure your students really appreciate your knowledge and experience. You may not have seen it all but if you haven't you have come pretty close. This vast background knowledge lets you serve as a consultant to your students as they work through their case studies or projects.
Also, by serving as a resource to all students you help other students to become engaged in the learning process even if they aren't your students. This shows all students that they need to use people within their network to assist them in growing in all parts of their lives.
Gary
I have been in the Criminal Justice field for 47 Years. I have been teaching for 37 years, at the Police Academy, and in college. I bring a lot of experience to the classroom. My students ask me questions and when they have a problem, not only my students but any student in the college. At times, I feel that the students need this in the classroom, and I will ask them to investigate a problem, and then they come to me for advice on how to check out things. This gets the students thinking about all things.
I believe that if you are prepared and organized the students will be motivated because you care. They see that you have the earnest desire to help them learn. Experiences always give students a boost to go on.
Staying current with your information and being creative with your teaching methods.
Motivating requires one to be excited about the material and infuse the lesson weith that energy. Doing hands-on activities or using real world case studies to introduce into the lesson are valuable tools.
I like to use a preview to tell the students what we are going to do that day. Then, I start with a unique activity. My hope is that the students enjoy the activity and want to continue with what is coming next.
I like using my field experence of how i was able to make good money and enjoy what you do as a professional technican to motivat my students.
Hi Chad,
Sounds like you really like being an instructor. You get to teach about your field and get paid besides, how great is that?
Gary
I tend to be very animated and excited when I teach. I use humor and try to relate many of lifes common things into the material. I try to keep things simple and fun. My students always have commented they learned alot and enjoyed the class.
Being a good example in your field can be motivating. Your appearance and the way that you carry yourself can be motivating to students entering the field. Sharing real life experiences related to the topic can be motivating. Encouraging your students can be a motivator for them. Your level of excitement for the field can enhance their motivation level.
I feel like my energy is motivating. i truly love what I do and that motivates my students. I have a lot of experience in my field and I can incorporate real world examples. I sincerely want my students to succeed and that motivates them.
