I find it hard to get the students excited about some of the courses I teach. Most of the students have a working knowledge or the ground work of the classes that I teach. When the class starts it starts back at the basics I try to keep them focused on what is to come but they aren't excited about that, they just want to get the class done and out the door. I work with office classes and when a student walks in my door for keyboarding it is hard to get them excited about it.
I show the students the equipment we are going to use for e.g., needles and syringes when giving shots.
Hi Iolanda,
Are you sure you weren't a salesperson at some point? You seem real skilled based on your response. I tell my instructors, we as instructors must be the best salespeople in the building because we have to sell them each day to come back the next day. Our jobs are just as tough as the admissions representatives.
Hi Jennifer,
Laughter is good for everyone! All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy.
Patricia
At the institution that I teach, we are required to conduct Ice Breakers on the first day of class. These icebreakers can range from physcial activities to mental games. They are really fun for both the instructor and the students. They really help to "loosen" everyone up. It is the beginning to establishing a good rapport with the students. Another aspect that excites the students is knowing about how to earn extra credit, which is usually through forming and meeting in study groups and special projects. They like to know that their extra efforts will be rewarded. We also have a Mid-term Quiz Bowl in each of my classes, which really gets the students motivated to study extra hard because they know that the quiz bowl is coming!
I use icebreakers when the students are there on the first day. It helps them to get to know one another in a comfortable environment. I also use a sense of humor and show them how the skills they learn will be relevant in their career.
Students need a reason to learn.They should be informed that the shared information and skills being taught would help them achieve their career goals.The key is to get them to buy into the course.So I would try to become the educational salesperson of the course. My goal would be to convince them that their efforts would pay off.I would try to explain to them what course is about.Maybe try to get them involved emotionally with study material.Give them real life examples of application of skills or highlight some important topics that would be covered, mentioning field trips or guest speakers.I would try to create an image of them as successful employees in their chosen career.Convince them that I can help them in their career goals.
I have been in my profession for over 25 years. I wouldn't have stayed in it if I didn't enjoy it, so I think I bring my love of my job into my courses.
I use examples from my experience to show the students that what this class is teaching is something they will use often, if not daily. I find that knowing they will be required to call on this knowledge keeps them interested in what I am teaching.
If possible, I like to show an instructional video that shows a link between the course content and the student's intended career. I find that it shows them the reason why the course is important for their career goals and gets them excited about learning the material. After the video is done, I like to have a discussion about what they thought about the information in the video and how it applies to them.
Hi Lisa,
Eye-to-eye contact is also important to keep students attentive. They know you are looking/watching, therefore they are more likely to pay attention.
Patricia
"I love your accent!"
Many a time I have heard that.
"I could listen to you all day..."
Having a distinctly English accent is an asset!
When that novelty wears off, I appeal to their motivation for doing the course in the first place. I tell them they are training to do the most job in the world; a job that makes a huge difference in people's lives.
This cource is there future, they need to take it seriusly
Bring guest speakers to talk to class
Interesting facts. Visual effects. Positive attitude.
Hi April,
You know what, at the very moment you have their attention, you give them something to think about, and you have them so pumped they are ready to conquer the world. They can relate to these questions.
Patricia
Hi Alexandria,
Projects that are directly applicable to the lesson are very motivating as well as exciting for students.
Patricia
Make sure that you keep the students involve in educational projects in reference to the topics that you may be lecturing on. This seems to motivate the students and then I have them share there information, and research with their other classmates.
Eye to eye contact with students will get them excited about the course because it makes them feel as though you are spending one on one time with them as if "we" are the only two people in the room. I also encourage dialogue with everyone in class by asking questions.
I believe students get excited about the course if they hear you talke about how the course material applies to the career they are pursuing. Interactive activities are always effective means of creating excitement about subject matter.
Hi Susan,
Students really love hearing about stories that are applicable to what they are learning. They get so excited and want to hear even more stories that relate.
Patricia
