How to Be a Motivating Instructor

Express your own interest so that learners take an interest for themselves.

Motivating instructors encourage learning. While not all learners learn at the same rate, instructors use motivational strategies to engage learners at all levels in increasing their skills and knowledge. It is important to understand what motivates learners in a group and to use motivation strategies that are effective. What motivates one learner is not necessarily the same for all learners. An effective instructor understands this and is able to differentiate strategies while achieving cohesive learning. This results in learners who are motivated to succeed and make an effort themselves to learn.

Instructions

1. Organize the course. Learners are empowered when the course expectations and guidelines are made clear. Set the expectations for the course and learners high, showing you have confidence in their ability to learn. Set learners up for success.

2. Involve learners in the learning process by asking them to collaborate on projects and work in groups. Ask learners to set their own learning goals based on course objectives. Be flexible and understanding of individual learners' needs, and use instruction methods that are appropriate for individual learners.

3. Instruct using methods that incorporate all learning styles including auditory, visual and kinesthetic. Vary instructional techniques or include more than one style at all times. For example, lectures can be supported with visuals in the classroom and activities that engage active listening.

4. Create interest in the content. Adult learners, in particular, are motivated by content that they will actually use or benefit from, whereas children may learn for fun. Learners are most motivated when they see that learning fulfills their individual needs.

5. Draw upon past experiences when introducing new content. All learners have valuable life experience and prior knowledge which should be used as a starting point for learning new content. Relate new content to what learners already know. The connections you draw motivate learners to grasp new ideas.

6. Educate yourself on the content being taught. Learners expect facilitators to be knowledgeable in the area they teach. Depending on the age group of the learners, facilitators may need to come across as experts. While facilitators may not be experts in all areas, they should still be prepared and deliver material in a clear knowledgeable manner to establish respect and authority in the classroom. Facilitators lacking knowledge in the content quickly lose the audience.

7. Create a positive and open environment with opportunity for regular feedback and opportunity for learners to help in decision-making. Show learners you are sincere and care about their learning, rewarding them for their success with compliments, recognition or incentives. Learners are motivated by their accomplishments.

8. Facilitate with passion and enthusiasm. Learners are often motivated by the instructor's enthusiasm for a subject. Express your own interest so that learners take an interest for themselves.

References

• Middle Tennessee University; "They're Not Just Big Kids: Motivating Adult Learners"; Dr. Karen Thoms
• Honolulu Community College; "Motivating Students" from "Tools for Teaching"; Barbara Davis; September 1999
• Honolulu Community College; General Principals of Motivation; Matthew Weller; March 2005
• University of Missouri - St. Louis; "Motivating Adult Learners"; The Distance Education Instructional Design Project - University of Florida
• Texas Tech University - Teaching, Learning and Technology Center; "How Do I Motivate My Students?"; Mekiva Callahan
• Carleton College; "Motivating Students"; Karin Kirk