Motivation Factor 2: The Class

Motivation Factor 2: The Class

What do the students think of the course and how they feel during the classs also play an important role in their motivation to learn. So what kinds of courses or classes motivate the students? What characteristics do these courses have? Through class discussion and self-reflection, students identified several characteristics of motivating classes: fun/exciting, challenging, rewarding, and most importantly, interesting. When students perceive a class having one or more of these characteristics, they will “look forward to” coming back to the next class.

Interesting

I have read the material on the book and almost always have to read it more than once to understand the concept. Sometimes, even reading it over, leaves me puzzled; however, the way that you present the information in the PowerPoint presentation with the use of visual aids (such as colorful pictures and/or tables) somehow puts all the information in perspective and it becomes much more understandable. I am able to remember the lesson much better than if I was just reading the material…The presentation along with the activities that we do makes this class very interesting; which in turn motivates us to come to class!—Maggie, November 18, 2007, EDCI 4322-61

I really enjoyed the game and also I learned my classmate’s names. I was excited as much as when I play this kind of games with the children in the kindergarten. Now, I was wondering what to expect from the complete class activities. I think this class is going to be helpful and challenging but never be uninterested.-- Nanynka, Jan 16, 2008, EDCI 4322-01

But there was a good purpose behind it (the name game) and I look forward to taking this course. I have to say that was the most interesting and interactive first day of class I have ever experienced.-- Mike, January 17, 2008, EDCI 4322-01

Once we presented our feelings on the name game I was glad I had enrolled in this class, at this time, with this professor. In just one class meeting I felt I was in the right place at the right time. I am looking forward to a great semester. -- Irina, January 17, 2008, EDCI 4322-01

I really enjoyed this class experience (the panel discussion) and hope to be as fair and knowledgeable about school etiquette and rules as possible.-- Mina, Jan 24, 2008, EDCI 4322-01

I really enjoyed this class and I look forward to more great learning experiences like this one.-- Kristy, Jan 16, 2008, EDCI 4322-01

Challenging

Sometimes when students perceive the course as challenging, although they might feel overwhelmed by it at first, but it can actually motivate them to learn.

When the syllabus was introduced and reviewed, I must admit I felt a little overwhelmed. I felt overwhelmed because of the assignments required for the class, but then felt a sense of motivation as well.-- Mary García, Jan 16, 2008, EDCI 6304

Sense of control/achievable

I get motivated when I know what am doing. I just keep up going. I make it fun because it's something that I can relate to it or sometimes it is something that is easy for me to understand. When I enjoy making something that is easy, I get hook on it and I do not stop until I actually completed…I get de-motivated when I am lost and I don't understand what I am doing. Or if time has pass and I haven't started working on something that I had to do before. My energy level drops. I just drag that to the end.—Michelle, November 12, 2007, EDCI 4322-61

Rewarding

Students have to see the course as rewarding. They have to be ensured that all their hard work will be rewarded or paid back in the end.

I was very surprise to find that everyone that was in the class was eager to participate... I feel that every one that was in the class felt that this class will be very rewarding and challenging at the same time but in all will be the best college experience they will have.—Sally, Jan 17, 2008, EDCI 4322-01

During this semester I am taking an English class that am having trouble because I do not get the grades that I want it to get. I study very hard for that class and I get disappointed when it’s time to see the grades. In that moment is when I feel like dropping the class...-- Rose, November 12, 2007, EDCI 4322-61

Meaningful

When the students feel what they have learned is authentic, meaningful, and useful, when they feel what they have learned can be applied in their real life and benefit their (future) career, they become much more motivated to learn.

Getting through this semester has been very challenging. I can't believe that we are already in the middle of the semester. It is very interesting to come each day and learn something that is really related to what we will be (hopefully) teaching in the near future. Even though this class is in the evening, I can definitely say that I have been lucky to have a professor that makes the class very interesting and something that I look forward to doing every night even though I am very exhausted by the end of the day.-- Lisa, October 22, 2007, EDCI 4322-61

I think I enjoy this class the most also because of the group discussions that we have. We get to communicate to each other different thoughts and opinions which can help us in our near future as educators.—Snow, November 18, 2007, EDCI 4322-61

I believe that motivation is necessary to excel in what you do. I believe that encouragement, support and feedback from the professors is critical for motivating students to do their best. For me, knowing that all my hard work will pay off in the end when I can provide my children with a better life is motivation enough!—Maggie, November 12, 2007, EDCI 4322-61

To learn more about college student motivation:
Want to, Have to, or Hate to Learn—Motivation
Motivation Factor 1: The Teacher
Motivation Factor 2: The Class
Motivation Factor 3: The Individual Goals
Motivation Factor 4: Family
Motivation Factor 5: The Peers
Motivation Factor 6: The Environment