Motivation
I am a big proponent of finding what motivates your students so that every student has the opportunity to succeed in the classroom. I strongly believe that there are no resistant students, but rather, only inflexible instructors. Meeting the students where they are at and providing them with both structure and flexibility to learn is the most effective instructional method.
stephanie, some students will be resistant which is perfectly fine. The difference maker is having access to a quality instructor that is willing to find the root cause of any resistance and knowing how to break down the barriers and walls that prevent the student from finding their way to success. The value is more in the process than any single event so working through breaking down the barriers is much more significant than the barriers themselves.
James Jackson
I motivate my students by showing the the value of learning the material and how it can make a differance. I have had two students return to my CPR class and inform me they were able to save their child. That is true motivation. For them and for me.
SINCE IVE BEEN AN INSTRUCTOR, I FEEL STUDENTS NEED MOTIVATION.SOME STUDENTS WORK,AND IS A PARENT THEY NEED MOTIVATION.
All students seem to learn a little differently and or, are motivated in different ways. I've found that actively engaging students as a whole and speaking to them as an equal goes a long way in terms of motivation. It's hard to be motivated if your instructor is condescending and unavailable and or caring.
I try to motovate my students behavior by offering home baked goods. They have to earn them as a team, and there are many ways to earn them, but it is rare that I have to make anything.
Robert, what a great affirmation of your teaching techniques and the importance of the skills you are teaching. I assume you share these real life stories with other students? Privacy restrictions would prevent sharing actual names but letting other students know the skills they will be learning have actually saved lives related to others that have taken your course is totally within limits.
James Jackson
Rita, can you elaborate on what type of motivation they need and how you feel you can provide? Thanks for anything you can share. By the way, a little tip on etiquette when posting to discussions boards - never use all caps as it is like shouting when speaking. Best to use proper case when typing out your responses.
James Jackson
I believe that motivating the students is the way they will learn more. For example, when I help the instructor out in class with test outs. I give them a little speech by saying take 3 deep breaths and conquer your fear. That always seems to help them relax and find confidence in themselves. If they are scared or anything I just pull them aside and have a talk with them and let them know that they have to believe in themselves if i believe in them then they should too.
I believe there are a variety of methods in which we can use to motivate students. First off, the student has to be motivated. Secondly, we do as instructors play about 80% if the student will succeed
Bruce, the key term here is engaging. Motivation and engagement tend to be directly related and the more you can engage your students the more motivated they will be.
James Jackson
Craig, not sure I follow you comment here. Are you saying your students never earn what you offer and that is why you never have to make anything or did I misunderstand? Thanks for any clarification you can provide.
James Jackson
tracy, knowing you believe in your students and engaging them in the classroom goes a long way towards achieving learning outcomes. The more students can associate success with your methods the more they will gain strength and confidence via your guidance and leadership.
James Jackson
issaclee, what are your comments if I were to say that the instructor plays 100% in the student's success? The scenario that comes to mind is the student that can fail in one classroom but is highly successful in another in the same subject matter. I have seen this take place many times and I am a direct product of this scenario. I can assure you the instructor plays 100% in the student's success. I look forward to any discourse this posting can bring.
James Jackson
Most of the time I do not reward as the criteria has not been met. For example, I want 100% participation in a learning webiste that the school provides for free. half way thruogh the course, I have 15 of 28 students participating in the program. If they would use this web site, it would help their scores, which would fulfill the 90% test average that I ask for.
I agree with Issaclee that the instructor plays 80% in the student's success. The student has to have some responsibility in his own success. I try to motivate my students when doing power points by involving them in the lectures and not making it all about me and when a student is strugling I try to come up with different ways for them to get involved but if the student doesnt budge theres not much more you can do.
Hi Stephanie. Thank you so much for sharing. I agree with your statement " there are no resistant students, but rather, only inflexible instructors." I am trying very hard to find ways to be flexible. That was my interest in taking this course. It gave me a lot to consider. Especially related to security in the classroom. I was doing some group work before, but the suggestions for pairing and how to redirect a student by supporting them positively even when they answer incorrectly were very helpful.
I think I understand what Rita is saying. Many of my students have a full time job and a family to take care of especially in my night class. It is difficult for them to find time and to stay motivated in the classroom. I find that it helps to talk to them after class and give them some tips that helped me in the past to manage their time. Once they feel that I'm on their side, their anxiety is reduced and their motivation increases significantly.
