Adult learners need to know what benefits they can get from topics or courses before they "commit" themselves. Having students relate classroom topics to real life experiences makes it more real to them. It becomes a personal, rather than a theoretical experience and they pay more attention are are more engaged. I find that the times when classroom discussion is most active is when students are asked about their personal opinions as related to the topic and they are listened to as they express their opinions.
motivating techniques i use in my class room i use hands on techniques i bring my students in to the lab and i lecture as i can show the task and point out components of what i am lecturing so it can create a visual,the students can touch the component as well and then i can get them more involved in there learning experience which turns my class into a energized enviroment.students today have to see and touch to understand if they can not understand the concept of what your talking about they loose interest and you will loose them and motivation will be gone,students have to be involved in task that are scheduled for your daily topics along with lab.automotive instructor.zach bernal
I agree as in our program we institute the use of a simulation lab but instead of always using mannequins I have the students interact with each other and then give positive feedback on their performance. I also find that the more real world experience I can share with them of all the wonderful patients I have encountered, motivates them to want to get out there and share their ablilites in the field.
By relating to them that the effort, stress and hard work they put into the work they are doing now, that they are assured of a more positive and fruitful future. This is done through being prepared and having "everything in its place" (mise en place-as we say at the Le Cordon Bleu).
Elizabeth,
Very true, keep up the good work.
Philip Campbell
Sandy,
Small talk helps to break the ice with many students. It also helps to model social behaviors.
Philip Campbell
To add to the real world learning experience, I have found that motivation may come from an uncomfortable area. I have learned the hard way in some cases and these experiences seem to get the students motivated to understand so they don't make as many mistakes.
I agree. Any time that I begin to teach a new subject or skill, I always find that if I can share personal stories or experiences, it makes the skill "come alive" for my students.
I found that a good way to motivate students is simply by asking about there day or weekend. Leting them know you are concerned about what they do outside of class. This is a conversation starter within limits that helps them open up to the instructor that you may be able to see what may be going on with them outside the classrrom environment which in return helps you understand how to better motivate them.
I try to convey to my students that this is the path they have chosen. The efforts they put forth now are going to be rewarded in the future.This education is the springboard to their future. I tell them not to make my job easy for me. I don't want to force them to learn. I want them to force me to teach.
Stacy,
Good example. What one person did will not always work for the next.
Philip Campbell
Ben,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. You are correct the story does not need to be plesant to be effective. Usually when they understnd the reason for the education is very basically safelty and life presevation, there is total buy-in.
While I agree Stories of Real World experiences can be very usefull in motivating students, I believe that stories of what could be or have been can be motivating as well.
If a student can imagine themselves taking the steps to success then they can accive a goal.
Rather that "This is what I did", "This is what you can do" and this is how...
Steven,
Real world examples are great tools.
Philip Campbell
I make it a point every phase(cycle that we have to let the students understand that without there input and questions the learning environment can be not as interesting for all involved. I constantaly try to motivate them to ask question and make the classroom setting as comfortable as possible.
I do the same. I share as much real world as possible and have the students that work in a shop share their experiences with the class. This always seems to bring about discussion from the class and everything flows better.
I'm with you all the way Mr. Bailey, I to often bring in to the class situations that come from real life experiences. When we can relate things we've done or better yet things the students have done they seem to get involved with the class. I like nothing better than to use what students have done and really get them involved with class participation.
Stay focus with the thought process by informing the students with the knowledge, skills and experience you have accomplished as an instructor.
Robert,
Relating to their current knowledge helps.
Philip Campbell
JAMEL,
Role playing always helps to drive the point home.
Philip Campbell
