Get Your Students Hired
Robert,
Not sure what you mean by this. Can you expand on this point? Thanks.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The most important element in student motivation in my experience is the belief that the objectives can be accomplished. All the other factors that are discussed seem secondary to me.
Enthusiasm, knowledge, expertise, clarity, passion: these are all contributing factors. But, when a student walks into the class for the first time, he or she is asking him- or herself one question: can I do this successfully? If the answer is yes, the student will stay motivated through a whole lot of work. If the answer is no, the student has created his or her own reality.
So, that moment that the student walks in the door is infinitely critical. I make every effort to communicate a can-do optimism from the start. If I seem like a human being (express empathy and passion immediately) the student can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the first concern is alleviated. As I build a relationship with each student, I further contribute to their success because, again, the student knows he or she is supported as a person.
So, the first thing that I believe will set the tone for motivation in any particular class is the initial impression that a student gets that answers this question: can I do this? If they get a yes or even a maybe, I believe the student has set his or her own motivation factor. My job is to make sure that the answer is yes.
Maria,
Right you are. Sometimes students come into class without a clear understanding of what their goals in life are. With some help from their instructor these goals can be identified and then worked on while they are in your class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe motivation is related & inspired by a person's desire to achieve a certain goal or point in life
Richard,
This is a powerful motivator for most students. They start to see the value of the course content in relation to their career goals. The helps them to remain forward focused and dedicated to their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree. Finding a connection between student goal and course objectives and making that connection apparent can really help with student motivation.
Jill,
This is where reality comes in to play. Your students are there to prepare for a career and you are showing them what is going to be available to them. This increases their understanding of what kind of future they are creating for themselves.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to encourage my students by showing them what is hiring out in the field at the time.
Terry,
It is great that you have such instructors in your past from whom you can draw examples of how you want to develop your own instructional style. Through your comments I can see that you are well on your way in developing a comfortable, supportive and engaging style that will help students be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find teaching very rewarding and satisfying. I can be a positive influence on so many individuals. I can change my methods to help each individual student; all with individual needs.
In our society, we tend to make generalizations about our educational system; such as certian teaching methods for the masses, certian standard tests to gauge ability. That only works to a point. There needs to be more individualized instruction. We usually set social policies that will work on a mass scale.
I know personally I could have done better myself with more personal instruction...but I was part of a "large" class and we all progressed the same.
I distinctly remember instructors I've had in the past that helped keep me motivated. I analyze why they motivated me. It was 1)enthusiasm for the subject, 2)a human connection to make me feel I can do well and have the same enthusiasm.
In addition, two instuctors can present the same content, but one will provide such clarity that all the analogies make sense.
I remember one algebra class I had taken. I did ok but struggled. Next semester I took an advanced algebra class and the instuctor made it so easy to understand..I really enjoyed the course...and I learned something!
I try to model my teaching methods from my positive past experiences.
Terry,
This is a key point. Finding that personal motivator is so exciting because then you have something to build on with that student. The more of these motivators you have the more engaged the bulk of the class will be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Terry,
This is common for all of us. I work hard to engage all of my students but the reality is even though they paid tuition and selected to come to college some students will be tardy, absent, non-completers or negative. I work with these students but try to keep in mind that I have a great bunch of students that really want to be there and I enjoy my rapport with them and hope the others will somehow catch fire and get excited about learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is always a challenge. I have so many students I am trying to motivate on a daily basis and still there are always a few students that hardly ever have their work completed when due.
Even though there are general factors influencing motivation; each student has specific motivational factors.
If the instuctor maintains enthusiam for the subject, this is one primary general factor.
However, I also try to discover each student's individual motivation. I find that many students today are looking for a personal connection to the subject or the instuctor. If the instructor can find that particular motivator, the student can develop a roadmap for learning. Some students like to talk about their past careers, other just want to focus on the subject to be taught. If you can find the student's interest and make a connection to what is being taught, you will have a successful student.
Agreed Cheryl. It is not just dedication,enthusiasm, & passion alone that will motivate a student. A discovery of success can really enhance a student's motivation.
Ana,
Well said and a point we need to remember each time we interact with students. We are being observed and so we need to always conduct ourselves in a professional manner.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree that motivation is key. Let us not forget that we are the leaders of that classroom. The role models. The second we walk in the students are watching us, waiting to see what we'll do or say next. If we walk in without a smile and lacking energy and motivation in getting our day started , how can we expect our students to have it.