Dr. Enrique,
Student like to hear about the experiences of their instructors as they relate to the course content. This information helps them to see the future they have for themselves if they put forth the effort.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Enthusiasm. Enthusiasm allows for students to buy into me as an instructor and as a professional in my field.
i use my experience, and my students are amazed by what I have done, telling them stories of my past and how it relates to the class
Motivating students is one of the most challenging aspects of being an instructor. I have found in order to motivate them my own excitement for what I am teaching does the trick....it is important for them to feel the passion and excitement I have for my field, this transfers to them.
Since these students are somewhat motivated by increasing compensation from there current levels, it could be pointed out the different positions and salaries they earn. More like a first day of class thing to do.
Patricia,
When reduced to the basic level students no matter their age are still humans. Little things like food, positive words and support go a long way in keeping them moving forward in their learning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Barbara,
I agree. Without hope there isn't much to look forward to. So we need to help them see their futures if they are willing to put in the effort required.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
James,
Good tie to the working world. Students sometimes forget that they are their own "brand" that is they have to sell themselves and their abilities to an employer. Through effort and skill they can set themselves apart from others but they can only do this through hard work and maximum effort.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
1. I try to pay attention to things that excite the students and build off them.
2. Play games to build confidence on things that students have already learned.
3. Food seems to be a motivating factor...either donuts for an AM class or pizza for a lunch time class. (it can even be as simple as candy...having to earn it)
The instructor can motivate the students by rewarding hard work. Students that do more than the minimum may receive opportunities such as extra credit assignments, or extra points on an assignment. When students understand the rewards and how it affects their grade, they often become highly motivated to meet the challenge.
Dr. Meers,
That is true, many of them do seem to hope to stumble onto a career. When faced with many hardships in their past worklives, it can be so very hard to think that this new thing will be that different...but I believe that "hope" is all it takes. If they have enough success to become confident, then by graduation....
pictures of great grades to take home and sheare with their family
Dee,
Good examples of how to engage students and help them see a future for themselves not only as being successful in the course but successful in their future career. Keep up the good work of encouragement.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Mia,
This is a valuable service to offer your students. You are expanding their options throughout their educational journey so they think beyond just the career area they are in. The more options the greater their satisfaction is going to be with what they are receiving as an education.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
In the field of audio production, I use not only my experience in the market but the experience of others of been successful and challenge students to achieve their level of work ethic and their level of time commitment. Citing of course that only with this level of passion and drive will the students be able to achieve that level of success. Since most of my students want to be a high-level recording engineer or producer I emphasize how much just how important each and every skill they learn in each class will be for their future. I I also at times like to challenge students to think about the number of students that will be graduating in their field with them across the country. Raising the question what skills will you possess that set you apart from these other graduates? And I remind them these are the skills that we try to instill in them and that is why we will always be thorough in our instructional methods.
I like to motivate people with positive reinforcement. Giving bonus questions on tests also helps. They may not be worth a lot of points but students usually do well. Also giving them free rein to discuss a topic they can choose from a variety in a course like Law and Ethics has gotten me some great responses from some of the students who don't always test well. I like to use a variety of tools, most of them discussed in this course to keep the class interesting and reinforce the facts that they've learned. Many do feel like they're failing a course when they're doing well. I've shared my fears of failure with them. It's not an unusual situation for so many of us adult learners.
I like to discuss other avenues that are available to students (or may be an area that they may wish to pursue after graduation). I teach billing and coding and as we move into new chapters in our studies, I like to interject some information about positions that someone with this kind of certification may wish to obtain. For instance, when we discuss HIPAA compliance, I tell them about Privacy Officer positions and RACs with Medicare. I try to offer a glimpse of what their career paths could be with a little extra effort and consistency in their studies.
Henry,
This is a powerful way of engaging the students in the instructional process because the course content becomes relevant and they see the application.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Sharing their experiences with their students
i let everyone participate in our class.. no one is left behind;
only the person i address to will speak if spoken to..
no interuption from the other students..
thus it is fair to all;
and good technique in evaluating the capabilities of each students..
