I like to make learning fun to motivate the student and this also helps their memory.
Like playing games when reviewing terminology or abbreviations., and role playing in clinical
Motivation begins with understanding your audience. You may have 20 students in your class but all of them may have different motivators. Talking with your students and understanding that not all of them want an A, some of they just want to pass will give you much more insight on how to get them going. Looking for the small “wins” or successes (and recognizing them) especially for those students that are less confident or you are having a hard time reading will go gain you more knowledge on how to motivate them. Once I stopped looking for the mistakes and looked for the “wins” it made my teaching time much more impactful and rewarding. I relished in the fact that knowledge was gained and put into use!
one example is talking to them about a real life experience that has happened to you. explaining to them how you overcame an issue and succeeded.
Bernie, I couldn't have said it better, yes our students here sometimes only see "the machine" and forget that a human being will be riding it (in the real world) and with that, someones life is in our students hands, they really really need to understand this before they even turn a wrench on "the machine"
It seems like this is all what I have been doing the last 6 months. Motivation is a big part of our position and the most rewarding when you see the 'lightbulb' turn on. Whenever a student comes to me to share something, they share a part of their life so it is very important that I not only hear what is spoken but what I read between the lines. Recently, I had one student come to my office to tell me she is planning of changing programs and she is halfway through Medical Assisting. First, I ask how she is doing in her program--her classes, is she getting some support from her instructors? She recently lost her dad but still was able to catch on despite more than a week of absence. Just by listening and offering a shoulder to cry on is an encouragement by itself. I always verbally use positive reinforcement and praise on how well she is doing. She will succeed, I tell her, not of whatever good grades she has (that helpds too), but by the belief that she can do it. She is not giving up and will continue so that she will be the first college graduate in her family. He dad will be proud!
Cristina,
Some people say that it is impossible for one person to motivate another. They say that the best we can do is create an environment that will inspire a stduent to motivate himself or herself. Do you agree?
It is not impossible at all. Yes, we can create a positive environment and inspire students to get going but I know for sure that is not the only best thing we can do...but we can do more. As educators and mentors, we have to start the thread and spark interest. Motivation can be generated by, first, showing how much we care by giving that extra attention, meet wtih them and talk about what makes them interested in things, how they do them and accomplish simple goals. Second, model what we teach and share like experience with them to let them know they are not alone (ever) going through "Life".
Showing students that you believe in them is a huge part of motivating them to succeed. This can be exemplified through a positive attitude and continued encouragement in all aspects of their education. For myself, I know I do better if I have a cheerleader rooting me toward success. Our students seem to thrive when their instructors give continual encouragement and keep a positive learning environment.
Shelley,
Sometimes our students do not have anyone outside of the school to be their cheerleader. The best career colleges find ways to be part of the supoport system for the students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I try to encourage new class starts by having an externship student and a graduate students come in the first day of class. Hearing the experiences, good and tough ones, help the new class realize the program may be tough but doable.
How true! Breaking tasks into manageable pieces to meet an overall goal makes a lot of sense.
One way we motivate students is to provide them with a broad education that allows them to see the many facets of their educational endeavor. I believe this will motivate them once they find a set path, as I think that finding the right field for anyone is sometimes hard to acheive and does take some time. We often check on everyone from time to time to see how things are going in the classroom and out. This provides them a more personal experience that not only encourages them to do better, but this positive reinforcement pushes them to want to learn and be the best.
