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Motivation for Students
The duties and responsibilities of today's instructors in college and university environments go beyond simply presenting material to students. Alert, worthy instructors also understand they need to make sure students succeed, and one component of that effort is to motivate students, to build a fire under them that burns brightly during the learning process. Thesis: Many students today care about grades and a degree; they lack enthusiasm for the learning process. Hence responsibility falls on the shoulders of faculty to employ strategies to motivate students and prepare them for a world in which they cannot cruise through.
Your Persona
Deliver presentations to students with energy / enthusiasm
Make good eye contact -- let students know you're aware of them
Do not stand in front of the class constantly -- move around
Show passion for the material you are presenting
Vary your voice so it does not become monotone
Your course
Explain how the course you are teaching relates to society
Students should know why the material is relevant to them
Eschew facts and focus on materials that stimulate thought
When possible, relate to cultural / ethnic aspects (diversity)
Avoid esoteric, confusing concepts; make it plain, digestible
Your Teaching
Show great interest in the students -- learn their birthdays
Allow free expression of opinions -- emphasis on civility
Foster student success -- build that into your agenda
Find methods to overcome students' resistance to material
Offer rewards to reinforce students' sense of self-efficacy
Your Assignments
Do not make any particular assignment count too much for grades
Focus tests not so much on facts but on conceptual understanding
Test early, test often, but drop the worst score on any test or quiz
Integrate course content that is inclusive of both genders
Offer a choice when it comes to assignments (pick one of 3)
Nilson, 2010
Explanations for the choices listed in the chart
The persona of the instructor should create interest for the students, many of whom may be bored by lackluster lectures; I am a spirited, motivated teacher who knows how to keep students from stagnating; I walk around the classroom constantly and use puns where appropriate.Lively, animated presentations keep student attention focused on what is being offered. Students will gain….....