The key to motivating your students is to demonstrate how each lesson will apply to them. You have to catch them, Keep them, and convince them.
I allow students to use technology in the classroom whenever possible and make learning a collaborative effort. I making students to work on a project with a partner or a team. I let a students to use technology in the classroom whenever possible and nvolve students in teaching whenever I can.
I equate student motivation to a 'non'-montone class environment. Bringing some zeal and vigor with appropriate confines ads to the engagement of the studetns.
Talk about students that have achieved their goals and are experiencing success in that area. Sharing the instructor's success and relating to the students is an effective motivational tool also.
I believe that being a shining example of what can be achieved in your chosen field can be a major motivating factor.
If students see you as an instructor who loves what they do and is enthusiastic, energetic and competent, it demonstrates to the students what is possible and gives them something to aspire to.
Hi Nicole,
I agree. The students do have to "own" their education. If they don't then they are not going to be successful. They may pass the course but they won't be totally engaged in developing their careers if they don't feel invested.
Gary
Hi Ida,
Students like to be involved and you are helping them to develop their self confidence while sharing knowledge about the field. Good strategy.
Gary
The technique would depend on the individual to a degree. I would think use of hands-on models would be an effective technique. For example, the classrooms that are in courtrooms would serve to give students a feel for the legal environment. I believe that any technique that causes the student to take the process and make it their own may be considered effective.
What I use to motivate my students, is to get them involved in their own studies, get them off their bottoms and to the board, interact with them on a daily basis, games, papers, posters, what ever works
Allow students to participate in demonstrations. Allow students to discuss how a subject realtes to them
If I display enthusiasm about my subject towards my students, it always seems to make them pay more attention.
During my office hours, I've held study sessions. This works really well when it's math related. I'll start the study sessions and eventually as the students start to understand the method, they start teaching each other. Not only does this allow some students to solidify their understanding by teaching others, but I learn new teaching methods from the students.
By being confident and proficient with subject matter allows you to add life experiences to lessons. This would give the class a better understanding of being able to apply whats learned to real situations. This would be beneficial to you and them. Also, praising or acknowledging good, right ideals that are practical would give them more steam to push ahead and do better or even sustain good performance.
Hi Julius,
So true. Having an instructor that displays these characteristics really sets the stage for learning success.
Gary
Positive attitude, clarity, and knowledge make for great motivational techniques
Truly what motivated you in choosing your career and sharing that enthusiasm with your students helps reinforce their decision to be in that particular field.
I have found that sharing my past employment experiences and tips for sucess motivate the students. I talk a little at the beginning of each class about things that come up on the job or tips I have learned that will make it smoother for them if they apply them. We also take field trips to places where they can see what they are going to be doing first hand. Medical Assistants in action in the clinic is getting my student MA's very excited about their career. They get excited to learn faster and everything they can if they see why we are having them learn the things they learn.
Passion for your profession is motivating for students. Sharing experiences you have had and relating them to the students learning is also motivating. Sharing your own or others success is positive as well.
Hi Siamak,
Stories like this are powerful for students to hear. They really help with motivation.
Gary
....reaching out and showing that you care is paramount!!!!
