motivating disinterested students
how do i motivate students who have absolutely no interest in the subject matter i'm teaching.
I agree, get to know your students interests as well, this way they can so how incorporate them into a discussion that may motivate them and keep them interested.
Alex,
Thank you for your comments and this most comprehensive approach on engaging students in the learning process. Each of these strategies will help with getting the students focused on the content and seeing how the content is relevant to their career development and how they can apply what they are learning in the workplace. This is what will personal motivate each student because they will have internalized the value of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is really an interesting forum question. I know that motivating distinterested students is the big issue for me. One main thing that I attempt to do is to find a way of linking the lesson material to something that is real in students' lives. If the material could be construed as boring than I have to work even harder to create this link. Of course, ideally this would be a link to the field that they are persuing or some protion of it. Linking it to some piece of knowledge, skill or experience that will help them in their field. I could also try to link it to people (a broad subject): dealing with people, understanding people, etc. and how that knowledge could help them. Also, I can try to make the process of learning itself interesting and fun even if the content could be considered somewhat dry and boring. This could include, small group discussions or activities, roleplaying, doing research and presentation, lab activities, etc. And then I could actually explore how students feel about the subject matter, why they think it is dry or boring, why they don't like it, why they are unmotivated, etc. sometimes this can help to open up an avenue of interest. It an still be a challenge but delving into it can often produce rewarding results for the teacher and especially for the students.
David,
I teach a required gen ed course so I can relate to the challenge of helping students to see value in what I am offering. I work very hard in creating connections between my content and their personal lives. In addition, I use a lot of case studies so they can to problem solve using course content. Another strategy is to bring in guest speakers and let them tell about how the content was of value to their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Boy, I'm rigth there with you, especially some of my Gen Ed students who only just want to take their program-related/core classes. Hope we get some pointers on this.
Hi Stephanie,
I would suggest an off-topic discussion with the student to discover a few genuine interests the student has. Then find a way to guide the student full circle back to the course's subject by skillfully asking guided questions keeping the flame of interest alive until the circle is complete. Surprise!!! This is especially true for the student but also brings a sense of accomplishment for you.
