I try to show them what they have already accomplished, then ask them why they think they can't achieve this latest goal.
I give my students examples from my past how putting in the extra effort paid off for me and I relate it to their situation now. I also give examples of those that chose to be less motivated and their outcomes .
Excellent!
We need to always remind them of the "why" and the "WIIFM"...(What's In It For Me or the value for them to attend school along with why it's important).
Some ways to motivate students are to remind them of the reasons they came (better life for their family, more money, new car, etc.),or remind them of their successes (if they made the dean's list or had perfect attendance or did well on a test). Making it "real" for them is what is going to motivate them.
I was always told that weather you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right. When I say that to my students, i use it as a tool to help them identify there goals. "what are your goals?", i'd ask. then i would tell them that no matter what, they are in control of succeeding to that goal they set. And of course, I'm always there to help them along the way
I agree with everything you wrote. My teaching field is vastly different from yours, but if a mistake is made in the execution of my students responsibility it could result in serious injury or even death. Motivating my students by pointing out the import ants of their responsibilities is paramount .
I am a firm believer of self-fulfilling prophecies. Not only is it true for an individual if you think you can, you will be more inclined to do so. But also of the instructor. If an instructor believes you can do it all of their actions will reflect that. On the flip side if an instructor doesn't believe you can do it, then it will be easy to tell. I have in the course of my studies had teachers that have motivated me by their passion and belief that I could succeed even in subjects that I found tougher. If an instructor believes their students can succeed it will over flow in the way they teach, how they speak, and interactions with the students. Students in my opinion do better in classes where teachers care - not only are they doing it for themselves but for the instructor as well.
Open discussions about goals sometimes help here with our students. We begin with small goals and move on to bigger ones. In talking about goal setting, I use personal examples of things I have attempted in my own professional life, some of which were easy and some not so easy. In sharing with them and sometimes I did not succeed on the first attempt, it allows me to focus them back on what was the goal--to achieve something or just to try? If it was to achieve, then it's pretty simple that you have to try again. It helps for students to know that their instructors and administrators are not super humans who have always done things the easy way, but often one step at a time, just like they are doing now.
You are right Melanie. As you learned in this course, attention equals retention. Sometimes a student just needs to hear a "well-done". This can go a long way in buidling self esteem if the recognition comes from a mentor or someone the student looks up to.
Recognition is very important and motivating. As mentioned earlier in the course, many career college students are the first in their families to attend college. They may not have the support or get the recognition they need from their peers or families. If they receive recognition from their school, it's going to motivate them to do more to get more recognition.
Nothing succeeds like success so give students lots of opportunities for small successes. As they complete each achievement their self-esteem will grow and that is a powerful motivator.
To help students develop intrinsic motivation they need security and autonomy. We can increase students' feeling of security by providing comfortable environments and building relationships with students. We should communicate objectives and expectations clearly and avoid surprises in the classroom. We can build autonomy by involving them in the learning process and allowing them to make some of the decisions about assignments and course content.
Giving them plenty of opportunities for success, providing structure, and involving them in the learning and teaching process will build their self esteem and motivate them to become more involved actively molding their future.
I think creating an atmosphere where students understand you are invested in their success boosts self confidence. Some students need reassurance and to be reminded of the power of self affirmation. It is amazing how a little extra time with a student who lacks self confidence can make all the difference in the world.
I agree with the statement that mini goals are great way to build student confidence. This is particularly true in new collge students that do not have a history of accomplishements behind them. These mini goals allow these students to build up a history of positive experiences relative quickly which will translate to better student retention.
Thanks for your input Lilia. You are right on target with your comments as well.
I believe that the examples provided in this section as to things that can be done to motivate students are right on target. Helping students to set specific goals will show not just that you are interested in seeing them succeed, but will help them to focus on achieving their goals. I particularly support the recommendation that students engage in visualization, and offering support to students by helping them create a vision and modeling a positive attitude in their ability to succeed.
We motivate the students with conference where the students learn haw to be a good proffesional.
I find that giving students projects with a partner, to bring before the class, has worked very well for me. They really get into "Let me teach the teacher." I do actually learn from them also. They also work up sample test to be given.
You are absolutely right on track. When a student (or anyone) can realize a small goal it shows them what they are capable of and gives them the confidence to achieve even bigger ones.
I agree Paul. It helps when students can see their Instructors as something “less than perfectâ€. To relay a story of a similar struggle and success can be inspiring…especially if you have connected with the student.
I do believe that if you think you can, you probably can.
Students need to be reminded sometime of small successes…and that can help to build their confidence. When anyone feels defeated giving up is the easiest thing to do.
Sometime a challenge will be motivational but it's important to always be there with a helping hand.
I would also talk to students to identify strategies to help them to achieve or realize some of those small successes.
