ACTION PLAN - University of Ulster

motivated by the same values, needs, desires, or wants. Some things which have been
identified to enhance self-motivation include:
!Give frequent, early, positive feedback that supports students= belief that they can do
well.
!Ensure opportunities for students= success by not assigning tasks that are either too easy
or too difficult.
!Help students find personal meaning and value in material.
!Create an atmosphere that is open and positive.
!Help students feel that they are valued members of a learning community.
What can we do?
Research shows that good teaching practices do more to counter student apathy than
special efforts to motivate students. Courses need to be well-organized and taught by
enthusiastic instructors who have a genuine interest in students and what they learn.
ULM faculty and instructors need to become aware of different learning styles and
accommodate such styles in their instruction. Tips from the article Motivating Students
in Tools for Teaching, include capitalizing on student=s existing needs, making students
active participants in learning, and asking students to analyze what make classes more or
less Amotivating.@
Instructional behaviors that motivate students include holding high, but realistic
expectations for students, helping students set achievable goals for themselves, telling
students what they need to do to succeed in courses, strengthening students= selfmotivation,
avoiding the creation of intense competition among students, and being
enthusiastic about the subjects being taught.
Structuring courses to motivate students can be accomplished by working through
students= strengths and interests, when possible, let students have some say in choosing
what will be studied, increasing the difficulty of the material as the semester progresses,
and varying the teaching method. Mastery rather than grades should be emphasized with
tests designed to encourage the learning. Avoid using grades as threats.
Students may be motivated by response to their work. Tips include: giving students
feedback as quickly as possible, rewarding success, introducing students to good work
done by their peers, being specific when giving negative feedback, avoiding demeaning
comments, and avoiding giving in to students= pleas for Athe answer@ problems.
To motivate reading, assign reading at least two sessions before it is discussed, assign
study questions and if possible have students turn-in brief notes on the day=s reading.
Other tips for instructors include asking students to write one-word journals or one-word
sentences to summarize a reading then have them write a page explaining or justifying
149