Seth,
By giving them a clear picture of the end result of the product you are showing them the value of the content that is being presented. This increases their buy in to the content and the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Rodney,
They really do. They help the students to see the value of the content that is being presented and how it will impact their career.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Give them a clear vision of what the end product of their learning can look like. Show examples and clearly explain why something they are learning now can benefit them down the road.
Giving examples of real life experiences in your chosen field can motivate students.
explain how learning can move you further in you career endeavors.
There are so many different modivation techniques that are wonderful, but there are a few that I go to regularly. At the beginning of each class, students introduce themselves and tell a little bit about why they are here...what is their motivation? Then, they write themselves a letter, talking about their motivation and what they want to do once they finish the course. About halfway through the course, when motivation starts lacking, these letters are mailed to the students. It has a way of bringing back up the reason they started their journey to begin with. This has a way of re-motivating the students and they can usually make it to the end.
Be a great role model ie. If you are a nurse dress and act professionally with your colleagues, the staff, and the clients. Demonstrate respect for all. Display a positive attitude, show enthusism for nursing--watch out it's contagious! Know your students and show empathy for their unique situations. Speak clearly and make sure you are understood. Know your subject matter.
Alissa,
I teach from 4 until 10 pm so I can relate to what you are saying. Keep in mind that adults are only taller children. They still like to play games and receive prizes. The Hershey candy company has been my greatest ally when it comes to keeping students engaged. My students will work themselves to death just to get a candy kiss, they really like those with almonds in them. So keep up the good work and keep giving out the treats.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In Dental Hygiene the students learn concepts and apply them to patient care. It is so rewarding for an instructor to hear a students get compliments from patients. This is motivating for students and their teachers.
For the students that are going to school to give their children a better life, I encourage them to put their children’s pictures on the front cover of their notebooks. It is a constant reminder. Also I ask them about their children by name and what they think of their mother (or father) going to school. They put their homework assignments on the refrigerator next to their children’s homework assignments.
There a many effective techniques an instuctor can use to motivate learning. I prefer sharing stories and life experiences as examples;for instance in lecturing about blood sugars to my Clinical techniques class,I referenced to the new machinery we use now at my Hospital job.This made it more real other than just reading about it in a textbook.This motivated them to want to learn more about the subject matter.
Many times we have lengthy lectures that can really wear on the students. I like to divide the class into groups and make a trivia game out of course content. I reward with candy and the students are motivated to work as a team and share their knowledge with each other.
While teaching a class that focuses on obtaining employment, interviewing, and various other techniques, using real life examples motivates the students more than reading from a book.
In previous positions, I have interviewed many candidates, and reviewed many resumes, sharing things I have come across as a hiring manager motivates the student as is extrememly beneficial.
Justine,
You have to own the classroom and by moving around and being animated you are doing so. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Not sitting behind a desk and reading from the text book. Walk around the classroom, use a loud enough tone that everyone can hear, animation in the face can help keep students engaged, and a variety of tones in the voice versus mono-tone speaking.
Michelle,
Relevance and application need to be reinforced to and with the students. You are doing such when you share stories, examples and your own career experiences with your students. You are helping the students to connect the dots between course content and their field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In sharing your experience , it must be positively delievered to relate to the class.
Some of the techniques that I use are real world experiences. I explain to the students the relevance of what they are learning and how it is applied in the field they have chosen.
I give specific examples of course material that directly applies to what they will be doing in the field.
Once they understand that this information will only enhance their chosen profession they are more likely to become more engaged.
Mark,
Students really like to hear these stories as they help to make the course content come alive. So keep up the sharing process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Career Instructors need to stay professionally involved and continue to publish real artistic works so that students have a sense of realism concerning their professor.
