Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Ana, By trying the various motivation techniques you are setting the stage for the students to move to the next stage in their professional development. As you well know motivation is a constant effort. The issues of daily life, being a student, and making a living all contribute to weighing the student down to the point that they often cannot see that they are making progress toward their ultimate goal. A key point in relation to motivation is that it needs to include both motivation directed toward the student as a person as well as the student as a… >>>

Hi Ana, I an responding to both Forum 2 and 3 in relation to your comments. I am always amazed how humans of all ages respond to positive comments. By you making notes on the students' papers and drawing smiley you are saying you care about their success. You also are illustrating that you have taken the time to review their work and make notations that will be of benefit to them in their career development. All of these actions contribute to retention and rapport for and with students. You are on the right track. I would guess from your… >>>

Hi Kane, I am wrapping three of your postings up into one response, since they follow the same theme. Motivation is a tricky subject, since it seems so simple and yet is very complex. The complex part is finding out really what motivates each individual at that point in time in relation to their stated career goals. This is much like exercise—why do some stay with the program for years and others drop out after one or two sessions? The challenge for us educators is to the identify the-- Why?? You listed several strategies that I think are very good.… >>>

Jim, Isn't amazing how a few kind words and a little support will help to motivate students to keep on trying? You are right in your approach to encourage and support your students' efforts. They need to realize that in a few years and with some experience they will be those “experts” that they now are intimidated by. We all had to start with the basics and we gained our experience through much trial and error in addition to mentors who helped us gain our expertise. I enjoy and I am sure you do as well, being that mentor to… >>>