I think of myself as an actor who has to maintain the excitement and momentum of each student in the class (even those who don't want to be there)! I don't mean that an instructor needs to be insincere, but that there is some effort given to the daily class content. Adult learners are very astute and they can spot a bad actor (instructor)on the first day of class! Everything after that first day will just go downhill!
Hi Renee,
Good strategy for getting everyone settled into the class and ready for the session. I believe this is important to helping the students get a feel for the class and interact with their peers.
Gary
I always start out the class by checking in with the students; letting them share an interesting story or even a fun event that happened over the weekend. I then make sure that I am fully prepared for the course lecture and learning events and I present that with genuine enthuasium for the subject material.
Renee Bipes
Excellant point, Rosie. In classes I have taken I have found that I enjoy the class more if the instructor is moving around and interacting with the students. I, in turn, try to do that with my students. I will walk over to them from the white board and ask them a question directly. I will sometimes sit at a student table/desk and discuss the topic at hand with the students. I find that students react favorably to this and I get some great answers.
I think first the instructor must find common ground and go from there! I like the idea of allowing them to voice some of their life experiences too, this not only allows the student to share but empowers them as they add to the discussion.
Hi Dawn,
Way to go in starting a class. Phyllis Diller said "the curve of a smile sets everything straight" and I believe it does. A smile sets a tone that will carry throughout the class meeting.
Gary
Some ways you can be a moviating instructor are showing enthusiasm for a subject, showing your experience in the related field, having empathy for students and there situations that may come up, demonstrate clarity by preparing for each class extensively.
I make sure to enter into my classroom every day with a big smile and an interest on how their day is going, or what they did over the weekend. I want to be able to connect with them to personalize the classroom. This opens us up to more discussion. Now I have their attention! Creating excitement motivates my students to engage and work hard.
Body language and attitude. Both factor play a key role. If you are excited about teaching the class it shows the class there is something to look forward to at the end of the road.
Getting involed with the students, understanding where your students are coming from. Giving them a good example of what they can become.
Hi Andrew,
Good strategy. Money talks and as a result of the conversation money reveals the advantages of working hard as a student so success can be achieved and financial reward accomplished.
Gary
I find that using work experiences in the lesson plan not only teaches the students but also puts what we are learning into the real life setting. I think this motivates students because they can say well I will possibly be able to do that when I am done with schooling.
I sell the student on the lesson first, by clearly defining the learning objectives. I take a few minutes to go over eveything we are about to cover in the lesson, and relate it all back to money. Whether its saving themselves some cash by solving problems on their own car, or making more money by being a more effective tech, they all can appreciate a "valuable" lesson.
I like to use my own life experiences to show students that we all have successes and failures and that allows us/them to learn from both types of experiences.
Show enthusiasm when I lead into the next lesson as a teaser helps to entice the continuation of the learning process.
Hi Rhonda,
Good for you. Excitement is catching so by bringing it to class your students are going to get excited as well. Activities that engage the students and help them see application of the content really helps them to become engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Relating new material can often be done thru metaphors, stories and illustrations. For example, understanding drives on a computer could use the metaphor of Tupperware bowls; how each one has their own purpose and size.
I plan to show enthusiasm in my classes. As well as coming up with projects to make the class fun and exciting. Hopefully give them something to look forward to every class session so they want to come back and continue to learn.
I would like to think that sharing real world experiences with students is an excellent motivators. Anything is obtainable also long as the students set there minds to it. Tell students that just being at class they are already setting themselves up for success.
I think the best way to motivate the students is to talk about the skill they are learning obviously there is a passion for what they are learning or they wouldnt be there.
Hi Jason,
Good point. This is the foundation of rapport development. The students know you care about them and their success and they in return develop a connection between them and you the instructor.
Gary
