I think that encouraging the students to believe that they can succeed is important because many students do not have a support system and often feel isolated in the online environment.
Also I think that the more the instructor is involved in the discussions the more likely the students will be there as well. It provides another avenue for motivating students to want to succeed.
Positive attitude is always something that should go without say!
Hi Steven,
Good points concerning motivation and rapport. If you can develop rapport with your students then it is much easier to motivate them as the course progresses. They do get tired and worn down so they need support at different times throughout the course. By them knowing your are empathic to their situations and supportive of their efforts they will strive to meet all of the deadlines and assignment completions.
Gary
I believe that some good motivational techniques include empathy and flexibility. I teach at a career focused school where most students work full time and have families. Many students are continuously juggling the roles of student, employee and parent. As long as a student is open and honest with me, I will give the student the opportunity to turn in late assignments, or meet with the student one on one if they couldn't be at class. These little things go a long way to build rapport with students and keep them in the class.
In my capstone course covering clinical skills, I can develop my lesson plan to call on students' previous experiences throughout their curriculum to improve their level of proficiency and knowledge retention for the course itself.
Knkow subject matter and be prepared..this will help me communicate with clarity. Also, be enthusiastic in the presentation of the lesson, and listen to student feedback so they know I am interested in how they are grasping the lesson.
I think the best way to be a motivating instructor is by being positive. Even when a student makes a mistake it is important to correct it in a positive nature. Sometimes this will require the instructor to share a similar experience that resulted in a similar mistake. Having a positive attitude about everything in life will take people farther than they think.
Jim,
Yes, that is an excellent idea! With online professors, we have tools that give us the ability to take field trips on the Internet! One day we will be watching a YouTube demo about setting up a VPN on an Ubuntu system, the next day we'll be off shopping for new hardware.
Hi Jacky,
This is such an important point. You did not get your knowledge and skills overnight and neither will they, but with hard work and effort they can acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be successful. Education is not an entitlement but something that is gained after much effort.
Gary
Explain to the class that experience did not happened overnight and that I can share with the students the good and bad experience that occurred during my working life. Also, to be able to demonstrate their improvement and success
I work in the culinary industry and one way I feel I could be a motivator is to set a clear example of what it is and will be to becoming an established Chef. I try to always be and show a positive attitude about daily experiences and try not to let small things frustrate me. By being prepare for most problems that may happen, it helps to keep a good frame of mind so that your able to work through things. Express the importance of having good work habits and being available to work odd shifts to show your dedication.
Hi Martha,
Right you are. This does make the field become real for the students when they see and hear people from that field telling them how it is. It really increases their motivation and excitement.
Gary
Hi Ronald,
What have been some of the successful ways you have gotten student buy in in your courses?
Gary
I found that the best way to motivate my students is to get them out of the classroom or bring in speakers. Field trips and guest speakers tend to reinforce material covered in the classroom and to increase my credibility as students discover that they are learning material used in the "the real world".
I can be a motivating instructor when I am enthusiastic about the delivery of the information that I am teaching and when I am relevant to our current situation in the world\industry, or to the current experiences of my audience.
Have the student buy in at an early stage in the course on the value of the information in relationship to there success in the field.
Hi Joseph,
An important part of learning is total involvement and by getting both their minds and their bodies moving you are doing just that. Plus, their brains like the change of pace that comes with physical activity. This helps them to concentrate better when they are back in a class format.
Gary
i get students out of there seats and get them involved in class . even if it involes throwing stuff in the garbage can, they are involved. this taeches them team work, and how to work with others.
I can use my previous success in the field they're learning as a powerful motivator.
For example : I graduated from the school I'll now be teaching at. My 18 years of experiences can demonstrate the value of learning all they can now to achieve success once they get into their work life.
When I teach certain subjects, I make sure I point out how what the students are learning applies to their chosen field and how they would use it in the industry. That way it turns something theoretical into something practical.
Hi Robert,
Good point about understanding students. By having an understanding from where the students are coming you can develop support strategies to help them be successful. This helps with their motivation as well.
Gary
