Hi Rosie,
You make a good point about what an instructor needs to be. If an instructor is going to stay planed behind the desk and never really tries to engage the students then they would be as well off buying a CD and listing to it because the human factor certainly isn't there.
Gary
I can motivate by being a role model for them. I am enthusiastic about the topic for the day, give them real-life ways in which it is applied, and behave in the professional manner that will be expected of them in the industry they are entering. I make sure they know I am open to all questions, and help each one through their daily production. When they begin to care about their instructor, they want to please/impress them, which motivates them to do better. Even when they have a disaster, I always find something positive to say and then give some constructive criticism on how they can improve the next time.
In response to your question what are some ways you can be a motivationg instructor, I feel motivation is critical for student learning succsess. As a nursing instructor, I am very familiar with Maslow's Hierachy of Human Needs Theory which I think is key to understanding motivation. In Maslow's Theory we need to meet the lower needs of safety, security and physiological needs before we are motivated to meet the higher needs such as aesthetic or self actulzation. The students we work with need to feel safe and secure in the classroom and know the instructor cares about assisting them with their learning succsess. In the classroom I want the students to learn by my expertise of knowledge and preparation for the class material. I need the students to be aware of their learning needs and perceptions for motivation with the empathy I demonstrate to them. Flexibility is necessary to handle students concerns with life issues that may interfere with their motivation for learning. An instructor demonstrates enthusiasm through the interest and passion you display in the learning environment and out of the learning environment. Clarity is also important for the the student's succsess in the classroom as they need to have clear,competent information to process what is being taught.
I hear you, Robert! You noted, "get them motivated by reducing any inhabitions/stress that may have been keeping them from achieving their full potential." Many students self-destruct so motivation helps them over the blips in the road to success!
The instructor is the leader of his or her classroom. This position requires moving the class to be involved, excited, and wanting to know more about the topic. The way to accomplish all of this requires a person who does not teach from a chair, moves around the room, writes on the board, and in general speaks with authority. The students will feed off the instructor's attitude and be motivated. Without motivation students will have no reason to listen and learn!
Hi Robert,
This is a good strategy. Excitement does rub off so as you say when you are excited your students get excited as well.
Gary
I prefer to use the "selling" technique about the next day's class; get them all "pumped-up" at the end of the day for the following day. I also like to share my life/work experiences ( good as well as bad) to show that anybody can make mistakes, but the need to strive to do better must prevail. 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.
