Stories of people who have overcome difficulties..I use it all the time!!!!
Affirmation of efforts, progress and accomplishments? But some students react differently and may require other forms of motivation, don't you think?
Most students struggle with math and some question its value and why they need to learn math. To motivate them to learn something that is difficult, I like to point out how they use this material in their every day lives. Addtionally, I try to give them many applications of this material in their work environment. The more applicable it is, the more valuable it is to them thus motivating them to learn the material.
Additionally, most students comment on my enthusiasm for the material during the online lectures. My wife says I always get excited during the lectures and she doesn't know how I can get so excited giving a lecture that I have delivered 20 times previously.
effective motivation manifests itself by showing the to the student expertise, knowledge, empathy,enthusiasm and preparedness among many other positive atributes we should posess and express as teachers.
Hi John,
Good points. Application and relevancy are two words that really "sell" the content. The more an instructor can do this the higher the content retention is going to be. Well said.
Gary
Hi Amber,
Loving your field and sharing your experiences from it are two powerful motivators for students. Both of these really help to engage the students in the learning process and help them see themselves in that future career area.
Gary
Enthusiasm & clinical experiences seem to facilitate learning.
Effective motivation techniques include, reinforcement, constant feedback, a 5 minute skills learned survey on a 3 x 5 index card, application of newly aquired knowledge, and relating what is being learned to relevancy in the career field.
Effective motivation results in building student sself-confidence and ensuring that the student sknow their hard work will payoff and be of value.
One of the most effective techniques that comes to my mind is to demonstrate (clearly) the relevance the topic covered is to each student. "This could save your life" or "could save the life of someone you know" seems to get attention when I teach a course that typically seems as a "time filler" but I do my best to demonstrate the relevance.
An experience instructor who loves there career will be the best motivation, because of the geniune excitement and passion will be truly revealed.
