The Motivating Instructor
I do my best to speak with clarity and knowledge of my field. I strive constantly to motivate each student. I hope I always model a member of the dental field that my students can admire and emulate.
MICHAEL,
The key is to balance between what you do and have experienced with what you don't know but are willing to learn. This way they respect you but also know you are open to learning new things just like they need to be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to show the students that I a lot of experience in the field when I am lecturing.But, at the same time , I also show them that "I do not know everything". I think that this shows them that no matter what, learning is a on going process. When I don't have a answer to their question, I try to demonstrate how to go about finding the answer.
Beatrice,
I know your students light up when you share stories from the field with them. Theses stories show both the relevance and application aspects of the course to the students. So keep up the sharing and enjoy the results.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to motivate my students by giving them examples from my own experiences, to promote better retention of the content for future aplications.
Helen,
Great advice for instructors to follow. We need to bring a positive attitude and enthusiasm for teaching to class each time we interact with students. We cannot expect them to care if we don't demonstrate our own enthusiasm about what is being presented.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Patricia,
All of your points are right on in terms of how to engage students. You are helping students to see the value of the content being offered and how it can impact their lives in a way that moves them closer to their career goals. This is what increases the ROI for the students as well as builds their confidence.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am a clinical instructor and I use my personality to keep the students motivated. I always come to class with a positive and in a upbeat mood. The instructors personality plays a big part on keeping the students motivated and engaged. When the instructors are not in a good mood it will effect the whole learning environment. Students feed off of their instructors. Stay positive at all times this will also promote a positive and healthy learning environment.
Instructors should be great animators. Students love to see you moving around and it reinforces and helps them to remember.
I do feel that I have knowledge of my field, however, to engage the students I feel that lots of enthusiasm and animation is definitely needed to keep them motivated and interested in the topic being discussed. Including life experiences that I have had in the field also helps for them to realize that they too will one day be gaining these experiences. I also feel that this helps them to retain information for future use.
Chris,
You make a good point about your knowledge and expertise in your field of medical coding and billing. Students often forget that you got your teaching position because of your knowledge and expertise. You are their learning leader and you are such because you can help them move closer to their career goals if they are willing to put forth the needed effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I, too, am an expert in my field of Medical Coding and Billing. I motivate my students with my knowledge in the field, as well as, encouraging my students to get "certified" in their field. I let them know how it is so exciting to become part of an elite group of knowledgable professionals. We network and make friends along the way.
Kurt,
This is a very good point and one we all need to remember. In your role hopefully you can help them to be able to "chunk" their content into small units or concept areas that can be delivered and understood by students. If you can give them some examples that would be helpful for them to see how they are above the level of understanding and comprehension of their students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also believe that clarity and the ability to simplify information given to students is of the upmost importance. I have some instructors that are extremely knowledgeable but have a problem bringing their knowledge down to the students level. The biggest complaint I get from their students is not that the instructor is un-knowledgeable but rather they are way too technical in their delivery. Heck, I even struggle with those instructors when I am conversing with them! The ability to take technical information and to make it understandable is key for student success.
Frank,
You make a very interesting point about the fact that you are an expert in your field but need to plan so you can deliver content in an engaging way. All of us need to think about our instructional planning in this way so we can capture and hold the attention of our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do consider myself an expert in my field . But this doesnt automatically make me motivating. I try to encourage a fun and exciting class while sharing my expertise.
Lisa,
Good way to be the learning leader for your students. The big one on this list is the model of for your field. You are the first person in the field that many of your students have spent time with so they need to see a model upon which they can pattern their own career profile.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
