As a Massage Instructor it is easy to get the students excited about the course with hands on lab the first night. It starts in the very first class! Each student can't wait to start the Massage portion of the course so I break them up into pairs and tell them to experience Touch (the very first technique that is taught in the course), by just laying their hands on one another. They then give me feed back on how they were feeling before and after. It's a great Ice Breaker too, they get to know each other much faster, fears and first night jitters are soon forgotten and they are excited to learn more about massage. As the massage courses continue, each student is told about the objectives in the course through the syllabus and once again the first night we break into pairs and through demonstration they see what to expect from that course and what new techniques they are going to learn.
Vocal dynamics are an important aspect of interpersonal communication. In addition to dropping my voice and leaning forward to catch their attention, I also use the power of momentary silence. This builds significant anticipation. Just remember to have an important message or punchline to wrap up the moment.
I frequently use personal professional experiences. Stories about the ER etc.
Hi Victor,
Students get a great sense of satisfaction knowing that various concepts learned is applicable to the real world.
Patricia
Hi Angela,
As educators we need to make it a point to be very encouraging/motivating. We need to act as though we are our students biggest cheerleader.
Patricia
To show them how the course is applicable to real life situations. For example use of exponential equations for financial calculations. Also during ice breakers its good to ask students where they are working that way the instructor can use the concepts in class to relate to student employment.
Always make a motivational statement and reference personal experiences and how it can apply to their profession
I think you have to go into the classroom with confidence and enthusiasm. I feel if you look and act excited then the student will probably foloow suit
I explain to them that with the knowlege they'll aquire, they will be prepared to make a great living regardless of their location. They will also be greatly respected by the general public after solving thier automotive problems.
Hi Rachel,
Students are elated whenever they fully understand how the skill to be learned will be applicable in the work place.
Patricia
Hi Lori,
Games are a great teaching method. There is nothing like having fun and learning. Big people like prizes too.
Patricia
Engage them in conversations regarding the benefits and practical application of course material
Group discussions and activities
Apply various teaching styles and encourage student participation
Engage them in conversations regarding the topic
Show enthusiasm and interest in the subject matter.
Hi Bryant,
As long as students know how they will benefit either professionally or personally from a course, they are sold. We all want to know what we will get out of anything.
Patricia
Hi Kleber,
I like this idea. What a great way to reach all types of learners. I know your visual and kinesthetic learners absolutely love this type of learning.
Patricia
I teach anatomy and to motivate studetns to learn this subject I involve them in the process of learning using :
Play dough (hands on)
Tracing paper
Color pencil,
for example if the topic is the stomach I ask students to make a stomach with play dough and then we discuss the different part of it. This activity gives them a sense that they can learn the subject and keep students angage in the learning process.
