Motivating Students
It is highly imperative that the instructor has a postive take on all aspects of the students education. Even when they fail giving them positive feedback is important.
Antonette, teaching is not easy and every student is unique. There is not a one size fits all formula yet many instructors continue to search for such a holy grail. The more you get to know your students the better you can understand their motivation for being in school.
James Jackson
Motivating students is really hard, but I think the first thing is that you have to show them how confident you are as an instructor. Every student has their own weakness. Some students just by looking at them while you're explaining you will know if they get the idea or not, I always end up my class for tutoring the next day if I have time and I don't want to start another topic not unless everything is clear.
I feel that is the best part of the job being able to connect with the student one on one.That is when I see the fruits of my labor. It also shows me if they got out of the lesson that they needed to be successful.
I am always doing my best to set the tempo in my class as a positive one. It starts with the student coming into the class. I will stop students in the hall and tell them how good they are doing so they will start there day excited.
Trinidad, well stated. Better to be respected than to be the buddy. Respected instructors achieve learning objectives and see their positive outcomes of their students. Keep up the great work.
James Jackson
Ms. Jackson,
I agree wholeheartedly with your assertion positive feedback throughout their learning experience provides a pathway to success. On that note however, I worry many instructors take a "nice" approach, placating worries and offering little more than platitudes. Personally, I strive to offer positive reinforcement by way of maintaining standards, and helping my students realize the educational process is a deeply personal, self-motivated one. When a student fails, I offer tutoring and additional resources, to include remedial information and exercises. This aids them in acheieving the standard by their own hand.
Dionne, agreed. Students are naturally surrounded by negative messages and negative self talk most of the time. The time they spend in formal education should be as positive an experience as possible. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
