Student Motivation
I find that student motivation is enhanced by employing various teaching strategies that will appeal to all types of learners. Individual and group presentations,debates,and role playing are some of the strategies. It makes the class interesting and facilitates learning.
I have been teaching for 22 years and have found that humor and comedy can bring out the shy student who is apprehensive to answer questions. I can also refer to a class i was taking where the instructor constantly called on me because I was afraid to answer questions. This did eventually bring me out of my shell and I started participating in class more.
Great points Mike. Humor when used appropriately can be a very powerful tool in the classroom. I have also seen where building a great relationship with students and breaking down any barriers to safe communication can also be a useful tool. Combined with appropriate humor, a good relationship between student and mentor can go a long way.
Regards,
James Jackson
Thanks Marlene. The techniques you mention all relate to active learning and allowing students to take on different roles within the classroom. These are all great techniques to get students motivated and active in the classroom.
Regards,
James Jackson
Marlene,
When you have students in the classroom for 5 hours a day using various teaching strategies is a must like you said. If you show a ppt only, the students put heads down and fall asleep.... dull! I cant function and learn that way so why would I expect my students to be any different. I like to keep things interesting as it makes learning fun and then the students retain the information longer. It makes my job fun in the process as well.
kim
I strongly agree, I teach a night class so keeping them interesting can be somewhat of a challenge,I have notice holding class room discussions about what I have went over really keeps the class going and plus I get to see how the students are understanding what I'm teaching.
Amy Hollis,
yes I also agree I teach a 5 hr night class and keeping them motivated and alive is tough but I have learned to work in groups, discussions and questions
"Humor is the best medicine".......don't remember who said it, but being able to laugh with your classes goes a long way in creating a comfort zone where a group isn't afraid to make mistakes.......but they know they are among friends and will, therefore, give it a try!
Chris, humor can be a great tool when used appropriately.
James Jackson
Changing the delivery method and actively engaging each student on some level will every day more interesting for both the student and the teacher.
Brian, each student learns in different ways so offering different teaching methods will reach more students.
James Jackson
