Encouraging students depends on the context of the characteristics of the subject. Of the course, of the previous knowledge, of the size of the group, etc. Using one or the other, we consider some fundamental for motivation. Let’s discover how to encourage students to be serious in study.
How to encourage students
If we want to build something, we have to know first what kind of land we rely on:
1. Start by identifying the students and their initial situation
To start giving them the bricks, it will be necessary first to know them and know their skills and strengths, to offer them one type or another of blocks.
I think we have all learned from our experience that those professors who put no interest in learning the names of the students did not connect with them and did not inspire learning. I remember that my best teachers were those who made an extra effort to learn the names of the students quickly. We cannot say that we are concerned about student learning if we do not know them.
Attempt to learn names quickly, even in a large group. Some clues:
– Take advantage of a curious detail: students tend to occupy every day the same seat they held on the first day or in reasonable proximity. On the first day of class, we can ask them to fill in a form in which they show, besides their name, the interest they have in the subject, what they think they will learn what expectations they have for the matter… and take advantage of part of this first-class for some of them to expose. If we keep the cards in a row-sorted manner and then make a list, we can use it for future classes to ask students questions. It is always about the student recognizing our interest in knowing him.
– Find out your possible fears, weaknesses, or difficulties. For example, tell them if it is necessary to have taken any other subject before facing it. Tell us what they have heard about the subject.
2. Know your learning methods
Using, for example, Perry’s game, the most widely used learning procedure can be detected. It comprises each student choosing, among 53 statements related to teaching, we can use those with which he agrees for the first day of class, for example).
3. That you notice the enthusiasm with your subject
If you are apathetic or bored, students will be too. This enthusiasm often comes from the taste for the subject or the genuine pleasure of teaching. You can tell when a teacher likes to teach.
4. Try to individualize teaching as much as possible.
Spend time with each student. All students want to meet their needs, and it must be remembered that each student and each class are different. They want teachers who are real, who recognize them as human beings, who regularly check them, who support their learning, who individually inform them of their progress.
5. Treat students with respect and confidence
Comments to students can be made, but never pejoratively. Never ridicule a student in public. In that case, the student, instead of orienting his energy to learning, will devote it to his feelings. Better say things in private. If the student does one thing well, congratulate him; It will give you confidence (in the subject and the teacher). Let’s give the student his dignity, and he will reward us with his effort.
If we detect a weakness in the student, make it clear that your comments refer to a specific job, but not to the student as a person. Support the student instead of judging him.
6. Maintain high expectations of students
If you tell a student that he will not pass, he will be demotivated. If you encourage them saying that they can do it and you are told what tools you should use (study time, problem-solving, work …) you will feel that the teacher has confidence in him.
Ask them what they would think if they knew their doctor, dentist, financial advisor, etc. just got approved in the race. Encourage them not only to approve but to learn.
7. Point out the importance of the subject
Explain in detail why the matter is important. Point out examples of its usefulness in your professional life. Perform practical application problems. All this from the first day to the last, but being realistic, analyzing it in the context of the degree.
8. Vary teaching methods. It is worth going to class
It is not worth going to a class in which the teacher is limited to following a few notes or a text, simply by reading it. It’s about avoiding boredom, routine. Let each class be a new adventure. We are used to the masterclasses in which students are mere listeners. But the student learns by doing, building, designing, creating, solving, and learning improves if the student is forced to use various senses. The passivity of the masterclasses stifles the motivation and curiosity of the students.
9. Involve, if possible, the student in choosing a subject to study
This can be done more easily in electives.
10. Encourage active student participation
This increases your interest and learning. Move around the class to encourage discussion. When a student asks a question, get away from him; So you have to talk to the whole class and take center stage. Even in large groups, you can ask questions.
11. Answer your questions
What can be done when a student asks a question? Possibilities: repeat the question, answer it, redirect it, promote a discussion among students.
12. An adequate level of matter
If too many students are suspended, it is possible that something is not being done well. If students see that the subject is suspended in a high percentage, they are demotivated — the direct relationship between motivation and approval.
13. Emphasize the fundamental concepts
Repeat these concepts throughout the course and always include them in the exams. Warn of the difficulty of certain concepts to capture the attention of students, since their level of attention varies throughout the class. The student needs to hear about the applications in the real world. Examples: “This is so important that you should put it on a plate on your bed …” or “Write in the notes: I will be a brute beast if I say that 2 times 2 raised to x equals 4 raised to x”.
14. Use visual aids to explain abstract concepts
15. Point out what content should be learned by heart, and which are based on logic
Tell them also what they should do to move the subject forward.
16. Once a new concept is introduced, apply it with examples immediately
Consider what students can know.
17. Give importance to vocabulary during the course
Many times our students do not solve the problems well because they do not read correctly or do not understand the statements. Spend time understanding the technical vocabulary, terminology of the subject. If the subject so requires, a dictionary of terms, synonyms, and other languages, etc. can be developed. Example: flow, expense, discharge, volumetric flow.
18. Be flexible, fluent, experienced, capable of adapting to circumstances
Have the possibility of deviating from the program if there is an activity different from the one that students can learn (visits to companies, talks …). Visits to companies are a
unique learning opportunity.
19. A good teacher should have a touch of humor
We are interrupting classes with anecdotes, analyzing. For example, mistakes made by previous students, jokes, etc., creates a more relaxed atmosphere that favors student learning.
20. Use the minute technique on the page
It is a very fast and simple way to collect an estimate of student learning. I tell them to write, at the end of the class, two questions in one sentence each: What is the most important thing you learned during class? And what important issue remains unsolved? Start in the next class with the analysis of the answers got with the technique: transparency. Your answers can surprise us.
Let the students know what it will treat in the next session, but without knowing how. The way a student learns depends not only on his intelligence or his previous education but on his preferred style of learning. Ask students how they learn best.