Jessica Young

Be patient, use policy.

As educators, we have the ability to impact student's educational outcomes by how we are motivating our students. Through intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, a student can not only build confidence, they can receive positive feedback and recognition to spur on their intrinsic motivation. Alternatively, a student may not feel any extrinsic motivation from an instructor, potentially if they are not aligned with their hierarchy of needs (per Maslow). It makes me wonder how our institution can provide additional motivators for students who are unable to prioritize their education due to external matters. Are they not engaged because they don't feel… >>>

The more control the adult student can feel with their learning, the more confident, motivation and engagement from them. This includes giving the students options in specific assignments and projects, so they directly connect and can personally apply their curriculum to their real life.

Giving the students a clear understanding of the course learning outcomes, classroom expectations, and any school policies that could directly impact their academic progress within the class. 

I learned the importance of understanding how our students are motivated, while also being mindful of their personal needs being met (Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs) in order for ultimate success. 

While extrinsic motivation can be helpful in the classroom, the overall goal is to get to a point where students are intrinsically motivated because they like their tasks, the way their learning, and the course content.

It's invaluable to utilize key stakeholders for course improvements and closing the loop. The institution should also have accountability with the set standards for overall academic processes. 

Meaningful feedback, presented in different mediums can enhance the learning experience for students.

When content is implemented and organized in a consistent way, it can allow for a successful student experience. Additionally, the use of chunking allows for a breakdown of digestible content for online learners.