I try to get them to tell me about an experience that they have had in the past as it relates to the course. It makes it more personable when they feel like they know a little bit about what the course is all about because they in some way have experienced it themselves.
Hi Cheryl,
Excitments starts with the instructor. Excitement is a trickle down effect. Generally, when the instructor is excited, the students become excited.
Patricia
I find that explaining the activities and expectations of the day with great enthusiasm really contributes to getting my students excited about the course!
I find that by showing how passionate I am regarding the subject matter and even being a bit goofy about how enthused I am is a great way to instantly relax the students and get them exited about learning what seems to excite me.
To get students excited about the course content I try to let them know what some of the perks of the trade are. Through this course they too can participate in those perks and become the professionals they aspire to be.
Remaining enthusiastic. Not being afraid to try something new or being a little silly. Also, being upfront with students when you know the next material may be more difficult or "boring" can help too.
Being a Culinary Instructor. I will introduce the content of the class and of course the fact that it is food gets them excited. Beyond that I will tie it to the real world and how the food they will prepare in that particular class can be used in the industry. From there I show a few menus with food that they are making in that class that are also on famous current menus around the USA. This helps them to see that what they are being asked to do in the class is relavent and being used by some of the best restaurant in the world.
Show them how they will use the skills from the class in their chosen field.
Hi Alexandria,
I love your variety! I can tell that your classes are not borain! I bet your students really do look forward to coming to your classes every day. Students want, need, and appreciate variation.
Patricia
I give examples they might be familiar with from popular media. Since I teach in the culinary field, I refer to programs such as "Top Chef" or "Iron Chef." They often follow these tv shows and I make examples of how knowledge of certain subjects has benefitted contestants on the show.
Hi Melissa,
I like it! Enthusiasm is contagious! Whenever the instructor has enthusiasm most students will catch it because it is so contagious! I like your excitement. You energized me just from reading your response.
Patricia
Generally speaking I am pretty good about quickly assessing a student's motivational style. By using strategic questions I can usually figure out which students are motivated by what and respond directly to that style. The most important thing is to make it relevant to their chosen career path...and make it fun and positive.
I think the most important thing I use to get students excited about course content is exhibiting enthusiasm myself. I believe that actions can indeed speak louder than words, but how much better is the message or idea received when actions and words reinforce one another. I try to express my positivity and passion towards the subjest I teach. Most of the time it is contagious!
I use real life experiences in my lecture. I also bring props into the course, and try to show as much visual aids as possible, and from time to time I will actually have the students read over the lecture material, and then ask them to come before the class and teach the lecture. I feel that if the student can teach the material then this is in indication to me if the student understands what they are reading. I also have the students collect data from faculty and staff, once they have gathered the information they create a spreadsheet and present it to the class. They really enjoy these assignments. Seems to motivate them.
One word...Passion!
If you are passionate and use lively gestures or words, engage your students with passion, and keep it fun (even with a dry subject), everyone responds. True passion is contagious!
Greg
At the beginning of the class, I ask the students about their long-term goals. We discuss how the class pertains to their own goals. Also, when I am excited about the class, it becomes contagious and my students become excited about the class.
I always greet all the students with a smile - whether or not they are in my class. It makes my day to see them smile and say hello to me. I too make it a point to offer encouragement and let them know I'm available.
Hi Mark,
Students really want to know how can it help them for their future. As long as they know this answer, they are generally excited about the course because the understand the benefits.
Patricia
I make sure that, from the outset, the students understand the many ways in which the course content will enable them to save lives (directly or indirectly, depending upon the particular lesson). It's not a flashy or eye catching technique, but I have found that once the students recognize the value of the content, they become motivated not only to learn the subject matter, but also to embrace the concepts and further their skills in the area. Their excitement is displayed by their sincere approach to learning throughout the course.
Hi Carol,
Excitement begins with the instructor! It is definitely contagious! The students will certainly catch the excitement.
Patricia
