Motivation in Theory and Practice | Origin: ED112R
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Enhancing the Motivation of Adult Students --> Motivation in Theory and Practice
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Nice reminder about what Adult students value and what can help motivate them towards achieving their learning goals. Relevance, autonomy, safety etc.
Comment on Francine Redmond's post: I have seen in various occasions that adult leraners have a sence of belonging when they can connect the learning with their oun personal lives.
Adult learners excel when the course content is relevant and when the instructor is enthusiastic when teaching.
Adult learners learn best when the subject is relevant, practical and can be connected to real-life situations.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES, 2023), many adult students balance coursework with demanding work and family responsibilities.
Adult learners are going to bring unique background experience and they are often more self motivated than younger students.
Adult learners can be more focused than their younger counterparts, but need respect and support.
Identifying motivators for adult students can be less challenging then younger students. Ensuring that you always display enthusiasm for the subject and display competence while treating all students fairly will ensure that the whole class remains motivated to learn.
Finding what motivates someone to persevere through difficult subject matter can help me in encouraging them to succeed. I am going to start tomorrow morning by asking each person in my group what brought them to the program, why they want to succeed and what they see in their future career path.
Motivation plays an important part on how people learn, work and achieve their goals. I have learned that motivation can come from both internal and external factors.
As the instructor it is important to keep the students engaged. This can be done by the level of enthusiasm, the ability to bring the lecture back to every-day life, and explaining all the possibilities of the career they have chosen. It's also important to hold the students accountable while providing support when needed.
I was reminded that enthusiasm of the instructor, being approachable when needed, making students accountable for their success are very important qualities for any instructor.
The confirmation of what I always enjoyed of my teachers was enthusiasm. Without that, a class can be about the most amazing subject but without a teacher to be able to sell it can be a snooze-fest.
I learnt that Empathy and support is needed for adult learners. Also, the most effective teachers motivate their students through clear communication and genuine passion for their subjects. They create safe spaces for mistakes and set high standard with supportive guidance.
