Motivating Students
Discuss examples of how to motivate students. What are some ways you could encourage them to succeed even if they don't think they can?
One way we motivate students is to provide them with a broad education that allows them to see the many facets of their educational endeavor. I believe this will motivate them once they find a set path, as I think that finding the right field for anyone is sometimes hard to acheive and does take some time. We often check on everyone from time to time to see how things are going in the classroom and out. This provides them a more personal experience that not only encourages them to do better, but this positive reinforcement pushes them to want to learn and be the best.
How true! Breaking tasks into manageable pieces to meet an overall goal makes a lot of sense.
I try to encourage new class starts by having an externship student and a graduate students come in the first day of class. Hearing the experiences, good and tough ones, help the new class realize the program may be tough but doable.
Shelley,
Sometimes our students do not have anyone outside of the school to be their cheerleader. The best career colleges find ways to be part of the supoport system for the students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Showing students that you believe in them is a huge part of motivating them to succeed. This can be exemplified through a positive attitude and continued encouragement in all aspects of their education. For myself, I know I do better if I have a cheerleader rooting me toward success. Our students seem to thrive when their instructors give continual encouragement and keep a positive learning environment.
It is not impossible at all. Yes, we can create a positive environment and inspire students to get going but I know for sure that is not the only best thing we can do...but we can do more. As educators and mentors, we have to start the thread and spark interest. Motivation can be generated by, first, showing how much we care by giving that extra attention, meet wtih them and talk about what makes them interested in things, how they do them and accomplish simple goals. Second, model what we teach and share like experience with them to let them know they are not alone (ever) going through "Life".
Cristina,
Some people say that it is impossible for one person to motivate another. They say that the best we can do is create an environment that will inspire a stduent to motivate himself or herself. Do you agree?
It seems like this is all what I have been doing the last 6 months. Motivation is a big part of our position and the most rewarding when you see the 'lightbulb' turn on. Whenever a student comes to me to share something, they share a part of their life so it is very important that I not only hear what is spoken but what I read between the lines. Recently, I had one student come to my office to tell me she is planning of changing programs and she is halfway through Medical Assisting. First, I ask how she is doing in her program--her classes, is she getting some support from her instructors? She recently lost her dad but still was able to catch on despite more than a week of absence. Just by listening and offering a shoulder to cry on is an encouragement by itself. I always verbally use positive reinforcement and praise on how well she is doing. She will succeed, I tell her, not of whatever good grades she has (that helpds too), but by the belief that she can do it. She is not giving up and will continue so that she will be the first college graduate in her family. He dad will be proud!
Bernie, I couldn't have said it better, yes our students here sometimes only see "the machine" and forget that a human being will be riding it (in the real world) and with that, someones life is in our students hands, they really really need to understand this before they even turn a wrench on "the machine"
one example is talking to them about a real life experience that has happened to you. explaining to them how you overcame an issue and succeeded.
Motivation begins with understanding your audience. You may have 20 students in your class but all of them may have different motivators. Talking with your students and understanding that not all of them want an A, some of they just want to pass will give you much more insight on how to get them going. Looking for the small “wins” or successes (and recognizing them) especially for those students that are less confident or you are having a hard time reading will go gain you more knowledge on how to motivate them. Once I stopped looking for the mistakes and looked for the “wins” it made my teaching time much more impactful and rewarding. I relished in the fact that knowledge was gained and put into use!
I like to make learning fun to motivate the student and this also helps their memory.
Like playing games when reviewing terminology or abbreviations., and role playing in clinical
Helping students become motivated and maintain their motivaiton is an important step to their success and, one that can be difficult. In order to motivate someone, one needs to know what has motivated that student in the past and what motivates them now. One can offer lots of rewards and incentives, but if it is not something that interests the student, they will be offered in vain. Motivation comes from within, so it behooves one to ask questions of the student's interests and their goals. What short term and long term goals does the student have? Then helping them see the steps needed to achieve their goals may be helpful motivators. In addition, we can mention things they may not consider as part of their goals such as, their contribution to the field of their choice. Not only will their life be affected by their education, but their contributions to their career will cause effects. This helps the student know they are important and will make a difference. Providing positive encouragement and giving them kudos for their effort and job well done is also helpful. Also, it is important to be truthful and genuine with students, the students needs to know they can trust you even if the outcome isn't one they'd desire or hoped.
Hi Jeremy,
I'm glad someone liked it. That is the purpose of it, to make the students feel that they have made the right decision by coming to your school. It is important that they hear "they are not alone" in this journey, that we will be there for them every step of the way.
Thanks for the compliment.
Lito,
Sign me up!! This is excellent. I know studens must feel right at home during orientation. GREAT JOB!!
During orientation, the first thing I say to students after I introduce myself is "Congratulations." - for taking the first step to make a change in their life. That I can understand that maybe they are scared about what they are about to experience and not knowing what to expect. Second, I tell them that "we, staff and faculties" are their support system while they are in school, where at home they may have their siblings, parents, spouse, even children. That they have us and they are not doing this alone. Third, I placed the value of education compared to other goals, especially in this current economy where people are losing their homes, cars, even jobs; but education is something they can have forever and that no one can take away from them. Fourth, that there will be some tough times along the way. But these obstacles are the only "things they will see if they take their eyes off their goals."
So it is important that they focus on that vision, that goal, because we are not going to give up on them and we will not give them the chance to give up on themselves. And one of my favorites quotes that some of my students gave me on a card was "What we learn with pleasure, we never forget."
Jay,
This is a great state change. It allows students to realize how much they have learned. I'm sure you may ask a few questions regarding what they have learned thus far in the class.
Yes always start off with small goals and work your way up, for example during one of my lectures there is a lot of new info. and usually the students will become a little anxious and start to fade, when I notice this happening I will stop teaching and ask them as a collective body if they know more about the subject now than when they came to class that day, and the answer is always,yes.Once they realize how much they know, they get excited and are ready to keep on going
