Many kinds of motivation
Motivation is one of those things that is difficult to gage. There are so many students that are self motivated and become more driven by their continued success. Those who are not intrinsicly motivated need a push to get them moving in the right direction. If they have some success initially it seems to help them continue in a positive direction.
Rickey, great use of a critical technique in using a Socratic methodology. Tools like these can greatly assist getting to better understand your students and determine the differences between issues with motivation and lack of other key skills such as information literacy, technology literacy, study skills, and even possible learning disorders. Each student has a different formula for reaching them at a true level of knowledge transfer and it is the job of a quality instructor to decipher their unique code.
James Jackson
I agree that Motivation is sometimes difficult to gage. My approach uses a socratic teaching method to discover individual interest that i can tie into my teaching delivery, drawing the student into the subject matter as well as inticing and motivating the student to participate while understanding the benefits of their efforts.
I agree Gena. I enjoy watching students grasp a concept and run with it! It doesn't seem to happen as much as it used to sadly, and many students think the school will waive a magic wand over their heads and they will instantly acquire a skill. As instructors, we need to push as much as possible but also be aware of each students individual needs. Leading by example is always a great way to encourage the class to pick up the speed and pay attention to whats going on in the room. I find that simple things like cleaning can be fun when the instructor gets involved. Who want's to stand around when their chef is on their knees cleaning floor drains!
Gena, be careful not to over simplify motivation into the haves and the have nots. Many students may be highly motivated yet lack the ability to be successful. One size does fit all and each student will require a level of understanding and effort on the part of the instructor. Awareness of possible learning disorders can also be critical in properly assessing a motivational issue from a learning disjunction issue.
James Jackson
I agree. I feel that in most cases both types of motivation are present in students. Most students are self-motivated. They want to acquire knowledge because it helps them to complete task successfully. They feel satisfied when they are able to do worth-while things. Students also desire extrinsic results. They get a feeling of worth when they get good grades or financial reward such as pay raises and bonuses from doing good work.
