There are many ways an instructor could motivate his/her students, whether by their energy, the learning activities they plan, the visual aids they use, etc. Aside from that, I also believe in trying to spark a sense of motivation within the student themselves, along the lines of that old saying: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" I suppose that by using the methods I first mentioned, an instructor is inspiring self motivation by example, but I think that speaking to students about learning in a general way, pointing out how exciting the acquisition of new knowledge and skills can be, gives the students a desire to pick up that metaphorical fishing rod and take that urge to learn with them into later experiences. That was a run-on sentence and a half, wasn't it...

One of the greatest rewards in teaching is helping students discover their potential in spite of their self-doubt. Discuss some particular examples of cases, past or present, where this perception was clearly evident.

One of the greatest rewards in teaching is helping students discover their potential in spite of their self-doubt. Discuss some particular examples of cases, past or present, where this perception was clearly evident.

Discuss the fear factor associated with quizzes/tests and the inappropriateness of using the threat of a quiz as a discipline control technique.

Discuss the fear factor associated with quizzes/tests and the inappropriateness of using the threat of a quiz as a discipline control technique.

What intrinsically motivates you to be effective in the classroom? What extrinsically motivates you to be an excellent instructor?

I am extremely enthused about my career field and constantly convey this attitude to my students. I continue to stress the importance of being on time, completing assignments and then giving examples of how these values apply to the work force. Number one on my list of things to do on a daily basis to keep my students motivated. I have a positive attitude, present a professional appearance, vary my teaching style and constantly use myself and others n the field as examples of what motivation can do for their career.

I love to teach but i'm finding it hard to lecture at times cause i have a learning disablilty. i feel i should share with my class but at the same time i don't want to discreate myself but i know when i read aloud or i'm trying to explain something to the class i feel the class is judging me cause i fumble and prounce words wrong i can say them in my head but whn it comes to saying them out loud i get nervous and fumble. what do i do

I liked this module, as it remided me that there are many different componets that blend together to create a succesful learner.

I hear impersonal problems everyday in class. It's good to see that the way I am handling them are correct. I listen, recommend a course of action and then refocus the student. So I'm glad to see I'm doing the right thing!

There's a fine line between showing empathy and bending the rules for a well rehearsed sob story. Years of experience has taught me to always be prepared with alternate arrangement which allows the student to save face while testing their sincerity in completing their learning tasks . . . If properly administered a great instructor can create alternatives that allow students with hardships to navigate the tasks yet making the experience a behavioral teaching event i.e. learning themselves to be better prepared. What say you?

How can an instructor present requirements for high quality work in a way that increases student retention?

I always try to help any student who needs extra help to keep up with the class due to personal problems

i try to have all students work on all lab projects

Postive reinforcement is critical to the students learning. I agree that giving immediate feedback is critical. I know sometimes it is hard to keep up with all the paperwork as an instructor but the instructor must carefully review the test and be sure it will be graded and given back in a timely matter. I find that students anxiously want their test results sometimes given back immediately.I also think that using acronyms to help the students remember material works. I often let them make up the acronyms as a group and share them with the other students so the students have other suggestions from their classmates. It seems to work and the students have a lot of fun with it.

I find that building a rapport from the first day of class is critical for the students and instructor. Respect is critical in the classroom and I feel as though respect is earned. Students will not respect an instructor if the instructor is not showing respect towards the student.I loved the suggestions on how to recharge your batteries. It is so easy during mid-mod for the students and the instructor to fall into a slump and forget the actual goals and focus of the subject. Having the students write their accomplishments in the last few weeks really helps them to refocus if they see it in writing.

I find that sometimes the instructor is so focused on getting the material to the students that they forget how important it is to have the students involved. Lecuring for hours at a time gets very boring for the students. We must always keep in mind the human factor of the students. I always try to put myself in the students place. If the material is not presented in any exciting way then the instuctor gets bored and if the instructor is bored the students are most definetly bored.I also find it very important to give positive feedback to the students on a daily basis. This keeps them positive and focused.

I find that when the adult learners and the 18-25 year old students are in class together it can become quite a frustating situation sometimes. The adult learner wants to be there to learn while some of the younger students do not take education as seriously. Especially the younger students who have been forced into a college situation. There is always some type of frustation bewteen the two groups. I have found that by making a seating arrangement in class and working the two groups together has really helped with the situation.Any other suggestions?

Challenge your students. Challenge them to learn, grow, and ask questions. Be enthusiastic and they will be motivated about your abilities and knowledge of the subject at hand. Keep them yearning for more information, keep things fresh and different, change your techniques from time to time to accomodate the various learning styles of your students.

Never lose site of the student. They are the reason we are here and the reason we do what we do. If they go astray, we have led them there. If they are on the right path, we have led them there. If they are lost, so are we. Remember why they are here and what their purpose is and that will guide you in retaining them and keeping them focused on the job at hand.