In the program I am lucky enough to be teaching in, everything ties together some way!
Hi David,
You are right! Students are motivated by different factors. As adult learners it is important for them to fully understand how the course will benefit them professionally.
Patricia Scales
Hi Shelley,
I agree! When you tie learning into the real world or any type of certification to obtain, students become a lot more interested in the course content.
Patricia Scales
Hi Candace,
I also like to tie in the current course to the upcoming course to trigger importance and excitement. I love talking about the upcoming course in the current course as the upcoming course applies to the current course.
Patricia Scales
I think that finding the specific item that motivates a student to want to discover the content of a course is essential. Some are motivated the subject itself, while others need to see the bigger picture of how the subject will help them. The trick is the get connected with the students and be able to truly assess their level of motivation and, if necessary, how to improve it.
I like Walt's comment on talking about the course before it starts. I have the same group of students for a series of courses and often we have a short discussion about the next course coming up. Most of my classes involve group projects and we discuss what did and didn't work previously.
As a nursing instructor, some of the subjects I am require to cover in class can be quite dry. But, I have found if I can find a "real world" example to apply to the topic it automatically makes the subject seem more applicable to the students. If they are given a reason to pay attention, with either the knowledge that the subject may be seen on their board exam or in the real world of nursing, they tend to become more engaged in class.
Hi Sheena,
Students love learning while having fun. Students tend to retain the information when a game is involved.
Patricia Scales
Hi Roshally,
When students know that the information is going to benefit them in their career, they are more excited about learning the material.
Patricia Scales
One method that I use to get students excited about the course is by doing review games in preparation for an exam. I let the class decide on the review game ranging from Jeopardy, Who Wants To Be A Million, etc. It really gets them involved and they love the interaction with fellow students.
Give real life example how they will use the lesson after gradution.
Hi Debra,
The calming approach is the best. I have been using this approach for over 23 years, and it is definitely effective.
Patricia Scales
Hi Wayne,
Clever idea! Students LOVE catching the instructor doing something wrong. Great way to test their knowledge base as well.
Patricia Scales
Hi Barbara,
Absolutely! It is nothing like seeing the students level of understanding when they finally have it.
Patricia Scales
I agree this is exactly what I do on day one and through out my class I go over the syllabus and explain my expectations and I tell them that I am here to help them succeed. this is great that someone has the same calming approach that I have used in my classes for a long time
I teach an English course which is typically a dry boring subject for students. To spice the material up, I challenge my students to catch me using improper English which I do so on purpose. In doing so,I will give bonus points to the first person that does catch me. Students pay better attention to try to get the bonus points. A student can get up to 50 points during the course. It also breaks up the "boring" subject matter and allows a more relaxed atmoshpere for student to learn.
I love it when it starts to "all come together" all of a sudden for the student. You can see it in their eyes, the "OHHHH, I get it" look.
When working with students in any setting hands on real world experience is not always possible. However, I feel that a lot can be achieved with visual aids, role paying, interactive computer programs ( training mode) and shadowing. It’s understandable that these methods only provide a small glimpse of what can be a day in the life of…
Moreover, it can assist in the pursuit of additional knowledge ( more independent research) in addition to finding an area of interest within their career, as well as, a passion for their career.
Hi Suzanne,
Excitement really starts with the instructor. It is hard to get students excited when the instructor is not excited.
Patricia Scales
Being excited about the course myself.
Offering clear expectations and course requirements.
Assuring my availability for tutoring.
