Motivating the Non-motivated
How do you motivate a student that is constantly distracted by life out-side of class?
Donna,
Good way to gain insight to the current group of students that are going through your course. This enables you to target your instructional planning more accurately as well provide support as needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
at the beginning of each of my new classes I ask each student to fill out a questionaire and this allows me to learn what challenges the students are facing as well as what is actually going on outside the classroom then I deal with each situation individually
Jeanne,
With this group there isn't really a lot you can do. They are satisfied or at least resigned to getting a B. A B is a pretty good grade for many people. I wouldn't worry about this group. I worry about my lower C's and on down because those students are in real danger of not passing the course and as a result they are not going to be able to move forward with their career goals.
As a person that was never satisfied with a B and always striving for an A I can't understand why they settle for a B. On the other hand some of the hardest work I have ever done was for B's. I earned those B's rather than settled for them so I was satisfied with the outcome.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
That is good information. I have not had to deal with student situations that have been that serious. What I struggle with is students that know the most they can get is a B in the class, then don't even answer all of the questions on the final. When I have asked them why they didn't answer all the questions, they say I don't remember and it won't help me to guess. Any suggestions?
If you listen to them and try to be be understanding of their situation and motivate them to try it helps
Christopher,
Good question and one that is very commonly asked due to the adult population we serve. One model that I have found to be successful is to talk privately with such a student and get an understanding of what challenges he or she is facing. Then I work to develop a individual success plan to help the student to meed certain milestones in the course. I don't let the student use life challenges as an excuse but work to keep him or her focused on the future. At times things come up and we have to talk and redirect our efforts to keep moving forward. I have encouraged students to step out of school until a situation is resolved and then step back in. The key is to try and limit the discussion of outside influences so the students see the classroom/lab as a safe place for a few hours and not spend their time talking about how bad their life is. Then we (students and myself) have a plan for success and provide support if they are will to put forth the effort to be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
