Get Your Students Hired
I believe that motivating students is an art requiring a good knowledge of human behaviour
and a great deal of intuition which may not be taught. Great teachers are natural
motivators. That's probably why these individuals went into teaching.
@Waldo : good points. you would think that the students would be self-motivated (especially with tuition being what it is), but I've found that it's not always the case. This is not only disappointing for the student, but makes my job as an instructor more difficult as well. I want everyone to have fun learning what we're trying to teach. I do the best I can, but sometimes there are students that you just cannot reach.
I am new to instruction and I am encouraged that those of you that have been in the field still struggle with motivation in the classroom. I think the best advice I've seen here is to learn as much as you can about the student and go from there. I am going to start the term by passing out 3x5 cards and asking them for their contact info and why they are in the MLT Program. Thanks for all your comments.
Dale I agree completely when the students feel a connection to you and believe you want them to be successful they are a lot more motivated. I also think it is important to have a bit of fun learning in a class and you are so right when a student "gets it" it is magical.
I am truly excited about learning and creating a learning envirement. The students feed off the good energy. A few cups of coffee and a well prepared lesson, and I'm set.
To me, motivating students is directly related to connecting with them. There is something magical about seeing a student 'get it' when you explain something. And not only do you explain it, but show them how it directly relates to the industry.
In my opnion motivating students can be a challange and is an art. I have been teaching 16 years and in every class you all know the student's I'm talking about the one or two that your not sure why they are paying good money to be there. That's the ones we have to take the time to work with to understand why they are acting in that manor. Then the learning can start !
Good luck and remember security, autonomy, intrinsic & extrinsic...........Fun is a a great way of motivating students !!
I believe it is important to motivate our students to want to be great in their field. I also want to see them passionate about their field. I try to do this by being passionate myself and in my lectures. I also try to give them real world examples so they can see and hear what they may experience. I also try to provide a field trip in every class so they may go out and see how many opportunities are available to them. On the same note, I hope these trips gets them thinking about not just the field they want to be in but what specifically they want to do. Most of my students have never been in our field in the real world and it can be an eye opener and exciting all at once.
This training was complimentary to my philosphy that we should always strive to nurtute intrisic motivation for the long term.
For me it is qall about interaction also I think it does help motivate students and helps them learn in different ways I also believe in having fun I beleive the students learn more by having fun especially for the students who have difficulty learning
For me it is all about interaction. Getting to know each student through biographies and discussion goes a long way in motivation. Learners need to know that we actually care about their success.
Motivating students can be a challenge, the instructor has to have insight as to what the student is looking for, usually the motivation is to obtain a career, the instructor has to show value to the student, that his/her career choice will be enhanced by their education.