Student Motivation
Obviously there are several different factors that motivate students. Some have simple motivaters, such as the wanting of a good education with a good GPA, others need more visual items or even an instructor with a lot of enthusiasm. All students seem to need some sort of motivation, but whether it be simple or complex, it is a good atmosphere for a good education if a variety of motivaters are present in the classroom. Younger students seem to need more than the returning adults, but an instructor that enjoys his/her job is a very good start to the obvious visual motivator as well as continuing the motivation throughout the course.
What are some of the motivation techniques that you use, Cheryl? Does your institution have a way to share best practices among the faculty or some sort of training in this area?
My institution does not have a certain technique that we all use, but we try to motivate students with the use of existing students as well as the active participation we all take in the learning steps towards graduation. We all work together in helping the student realize the exceptional feeling they can achieve by consistantly moving forward. The classroom activities as well as hands on activities help promote this as well.
Our school uses motivating techniques. Our students are counseled, student activities, field trips which allows students to see medical facilities.
Who is responsible for these activities? How do you track their effectiveness?
Instructors with good enthusiasm is a good one. For example, when they see that the instructor cares if they're in class or not they react in a positive manner. Work with the student with what you can if it will get them to class. I've personally found jobs for my students to work in so they can see that their instructor is enthusiastic about seeing them succee.
For the most part student motivation must come from themself. Once the student has decided on a course of action they need to feel that they have the support of the school and the instuctors. If they have this the student will be more willing to do the assignments and ask questions. More interest by the student will then create more motivation.
It's tough for an instructor to be enthusiastic every day. How do you 'stay up' for your students, Gerardo? Is this a topic for staff meetings or training?
Do you have any specific suggestions on how the school and instructors can demonstrate the support you refer to?
In the school I work in,we deal with different
types of student attitudes.Some students were
lied to by the reps up front and when they
realize it they get negative attitudes,these students usually fail and drop out.The other
type of student is easily motovated because
he/she wants to be there and get a job when they
leave.
You make a strong statement about your reps. If true, you have an obligation to bring this to the attention of your administration.
As an Instructor I try to be as prepared as possible for the activities of the day well before class starts. I make sure to have a few back up tasks prepared just in case I have a fast worker of need an alternate. I try to make sure the student knows why they are doing a particular exercise and how it relates to jobs in the field. If the student sees value that seems to increase motivation. No idle time.
allways have fun in the class room. Learing can be fun
I always get plenty of rest, try and be prepared well before class and have plenty for students to do. Keeping the student occupied in the class and day to day discovies. I always share everyones car issues with the class (if they are ok with it),that way the students diagnose eachothers vehicles. Likely the solution is found among the suggestions of the students themselves. You'd be surprised how much stress this takes off the instructor. This will help you stay refreshed, the easier the class the better you will feel.
I agree.That is exactly what i posted on another topic. If you have and show the passion, the student motivation is there.
Even though there is agreement that motivating students becomes a required role of the staff, there has to be a responsiblity on the students part to become motivated. I have come to this observation, which most might disagree with ,that we truly can not " motivate" but instead "inspire". We have all heard about leading the " horse to water" and as simple as it sounds we have come to agree with this analogy. At some point along in their educational journey, they must accept the primary importance of self- motivation if they are ever to acheive any personal goals.
Very good statement! The student must become the adult learner and accept responsibility for his/her education. S
