One way in which to motivate students is by connecting the material you are teaching them to reality. Students often get bored when they feel detached from the subject matter and feel that it is out of the realm of reality. Use your imagination and establish a connection between things your students already know and the topic at hand, whether it is through discussing current events on the news, technology, style trends, music and movies.
To get students thirsty for learning, an educator first needs to have a grasp of the individual needs of all of his students. In a vast higher learning atmosphere, students appear from all different walks of life and educational backgrounds. For example, some students are excellent at football while others are perhaps more academic. The better an educator understands the background of a student, the easier it will be for him to know their specific needs and to adjust his teaching methods accordingly. To accomplish this, personalized, one-on-one attention with students is crucial.
Being organized can go a long way in motivating students. People do well in environments that are organized and sometimes even regimented. If an educator displays dependable organizational skills, it can motivate students to behave in a similar manner. Whether it means grading term papers on time or having preplanned classroom sessions, it can be highly effective at keeping students engaged.
When people have a say in things, they will oftentimes feel more motivated. When educators give students options, it can help the students to feel like they have more control over their learning. One way in which to do this is by allowing students to select their own topics for term papers.
As an educator, it is important to show students that you care about them and that you expect (and want) them to do well and thrive. Make it known to your students that you know they have it in them to succeed. If students feel that an educator truly cares, it can encourage them to strive harder so not to let you down.
A warm, supportive and caring environment can be beneficial in motivating college students. If an educator establishes an open and safe setting in which students are not afraid to ask questions, that can elevate levels of progress, feelings of teamwork and belonging, fun and interest. An educator can do this by listening actively and intently to the needs of all of her students, encouraging question asking and offering praise for any good work.
Interactive activities are also a proactive way to get students out there and involved in the subject. Many educators fall into the habit of just standing in front of a room lecturing students for hours on end. However, this is no way to motivate students that simply are uninterested -- it will simply only bore them further. Instead, focus on interactive learning activities such as debates, group work and quizzes.