Finding the right motivation
I agree that intrinsic motivation is the more powerful motivator. I think that most insturctors will agree with that concept. The big challenge is finding what will intrinsically motivate each individual student. Sometimes you can find what motivates a student intrinsically by knowing what motivates them extrinsically. In-other -words the transferance of an external stimulas to an internal stimulas.
Betty, students simply do not understand the concept of curriculum and accreditation. The courses you provide in your program assist your students in achieving all of their goals versus those that are narrow focused. There may be times you should just take a few minutes and help them understand why courses that are not perceived as related are actually related to their program. Why does an accountant need to know how to write? I am sure you can provide countless examples of those in any number of fields that were able to advance in their subject area because they had a complete set of skills versus a narrow focus.
James Jackson
Motivating students can be challenging. I try to tell them they will get out of the class whatever they can if motivated. I have heard comments like "this is not my field, why do I have to take this course?" I explain to them about being well-rounded, taking each course and finding the applicable practices for their fields. I use exampes of the benefits and praise their successes no matter how small.
Kathleen, you bring forward a key concept here. Some students simply are not mature enough to take on true adult responsibilities. One technique I have used is to actually discuss the different characteristics of adults and adolescents. Adults take responsibility for their educational goals while adolescents need support and guidance. Maturity is not a factor of age as you can have a 55 year old adolesent and a 20 year old adult. Students have to decide what side of the maturity fence they want to reside. Takes some time and dedicated discussions but the results I have achieved have been worth the effort.
James Jackson
Though I don't work with the students in the classroom, this is something I struggle with in motivating my ATB/GED students.
I find it important to get to know them and their goals(the 5-year plan, so to speak) and connect the acheivement of those goals with obtaining their GED's.
I also involve everybody in this process. Career Services comes in to discuss what employers are looking for, and HS/GED is on top of that list, instructors who have experience in the field, and even the DOE.
On occasion, I have had to sit down with students and have a "come to Jesus" talk with them and lay it on the line. We go back over what they have outlined as their goals, I point to their successes and then tell them that they are putting all this energy into completing their program but to ultimately achieve their career goals, they need to take that final step and work with us on their GED. My goal is to create the atmosphere for an "Aha!" moment.
melissa, excellent point. We as faculty need to assume the role of marketing and sales specialists. Many students have a hard time understanding the importance of various courses in their program. The better we are at painting the mental pictures and engaging our students, the better outcomes we will experience.
James Jackson
When you are in a specific program where the courses are chosen for the students, it is important to help the students understand the importance of this class for their career goals. Sometimes classes that are chosen seem to be "unimportant" to the student, and therefore a waste of their time, in their eyes. It is important for the instructor to find the motivation for the student to find worth in the course.
Kathy, great point. In the simplest of terms it is really about you as an instructor building a professional relationship with your students. If they feel their time is valued and they are gaining something for the time they spend with you, they will respect you and learn what you have to teach.
James Jackson
I have found that when I am assigned a new class, students are always a little uncertain at first. And as you earn their trust and a positive relationship is established, the student is more motivated to perform.
Tim, best way to get a better understanding of what motivates a student is to earn their trust and build a relationship.
Regards,
James Jackson
