First I never ever forget what its like to be a student. Having graduated college 31 years ago, I can still remember the feelings of in security and lack of knowledge on that subject matter. That was intimidating to me and I remember it well.I use senarios and examples as if I were a new student myself.
I keep my students engaged by displaying my enthusiasm in the subject that I am presenting to them. I show them that the information they are learning can apply to many different venues. Seeing that they are motivated reinforces that I am on the right track.
The best way I have found is to be passionate about the material. If you have a passion for it and true enthusiasm fo rthe course material, your students will more likely be more enaged because of your excitement. Also, being empathitic to your students, helps them know that you care about them and about their succcess. They will tend to try to do better to not disappoint you because they have built a relationship with you and want you to be pleased with their progress.
Based on my 7 years of experience in teaching, I realize that sharing your professional experiences with students is a great motivational tool. This is established more trust and respect, as they are embracing and accepting your expertise. Students need to feel that they can trust your expertise, your sources and resources, as you are giving them the necessary tools for their success.
Staying up on new trends and introducing them in class as a discussion or project will keep the interest of the students and myself. I try everyday to make my students want to come to class and to experience something new.
This is a tricky one since all students are motivated in different ways. Some respond best to positive reinforcement, some through empathy, and I have to admit some I find can only be motivated through fear as much as I detest using that strategy. However, I find the best thing I can do is to start my classes with what I call the "impact section". In order word, explain clearly and concisely WHY the content of the class is important, how it applies to their chosen career, and how it will be applied in real life situations.
The most important thing however is to pay attention to how students respond to different stimulus early in class in order to quickly tailor the classroom management stratiegy to the needs of the class and the individual student.
I stay motivated by trying to stay fresh and informed of current trends. Tying teaching subject matter to news worthy information not only keeps the intructor but also the student fresh with todays world.
If you, as an instructor, are excited about and passionate about your subject matter, your students will feel it to.
Encourage them. Let them know that you have confidence in them and their ability to be successful.
Hi Courtney,
Good way to blend both your life experiences and the course content for your students. They can see application and relevancy to what you are telling them with this method. This helps to give them a vision of their future career opportunities.
Gary
As mentioned through this course, I too share stories about my experiences in the field. I think I've may have mentioned before that these stories, plus my apparent passion for my professional career, are just the tip of the iceberg for examples that they too may get to experience and hopefully learn from for themselves. Majority of the time these stories get "everyone's" attention and it stimulates questions as well. Nice break from some of the monotanous lectures for the students. When the questions occur is when I know they are retaining some of the lectures...success!!
Hi Jon,
Good idea. The more the students can see value to what they are learning the more motivated they will be. What are some ways you help your students to see the value of what they are learning.
Gary
i always try ro relay the value in what i teach they need to know we are here for more than a test score but a lifetime
Hi Karen,
Great way to start each class. This helps them to become invested in the course and what is going to occur during the coming session.
Gary
I enjoy the subjects that I teach so Enthusiasm isn't an issue. I like to see the students have fun with the subjecs and have those "Ah Ha" moments. Just the other day I had a student that was really struggling with a concept and it had been weeks. During class yesterday she said out loud that she finally got it. Wow! that was great! I have to work on the offering expertise cornerstone. Tell more examples and allow more examples to be told from the students.
I try to use the combination of excitement, passion, energy and examples of real life situations.
Dr. Craig Couillard
I think the strongest tool in the motivational tool box is a sincere enthusiasm for the subject matter. If the instructor goes into a class with a high energy level and is positive and enthusiastic about the subject the student can’t help but get interested too. I remember some of the classes that I found most interesting in the past were really the result of the “great” instructors that I had. They were enthusiastic for sure, but they also had a couple of the other motivational tools - expertise and the ability to demonstrate clarity in their presentation. The “great” instructors knew the subject and were able to bring their own personal experiences into the class to show how the information related to the real world. Their presentations were clear - with minimum ahs and ums - and with thoughtful pauses when responding to unusual or complicated questions.
I do consciously try to include these tools (enthusiasm, expertise and clarity) in my instructional tool box. Empathy is another important tool. I find that while instructing in online classes, I have to be even more empathetic in response to student problems and issues. Normally, in each class we have health issues, deaths in the families (sometimes to very close family members), or other personal issues (had to work two shifts three nights in a row) that require me to bend the rules and allow later submissions or provide other assistance so that each student can continue on with his/her education.
One of the first means of being a motivating instructor is to smile and show the desire to be in the classroom.
I tell them every day should be a "ah ha" day. I start my class with " What is something new you learned yesterday or something new you read about or heard about." Students tend to do more reseach on their own and look forward to passing the information on to their fellow students.
One of my strategies is to consider them like my peers and like professionals people in the filed they chose to be.
I tell them that in this environment we all learn from each other, including myself from them.
I focus on convincing them on the benefit on the knowledege they are gaining and how they can apply it in their jobs.
Often, students will fall behind in their work. I try to send them weekly friendly reminder emails, encouraging them to submit their assignments. The replies to those emails give clues about how best to motivate the student. At that point, I try to join with them. For instance, if they indicate that they feel overwhelmed by the demands on their time, I let them know that I understand how difficult it is to meet work, family and community commitments and take college level courses at the same time. I offer tips about how to approach their work and encouragement.
You the instructor will set the tone for the class. The instructor should be the leader of the classroom. As the leader you will set the pace. You create the enthusiasm for the subject. You will also be the motivation and the excitement and hopefully create an environment that will lead the students to want to know more about the subject. The attitude of the instructor is a very important part of the learning process for the student.
