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Kansas State University

TEACHING PROCEDURES THAT STIMULATE STUDENT MOTIVATION TO LEARN

from
Principles of College Teaching

Teacher actions that students report stimulate their motivation to learn:

Enthusiasm
  • Was enthusiastic.
  • Seemed to enjoy teaching.
  • Seemed enthusiastic about the subject matter.
Speaking Style
  • Made presentations which were not dry and dull.
  • Spoke with expressiveness and variety in tone of voice.
  • Used humor in a way I appreciated.
Communicating Content and Purpose
  • Explained course material clearly, and explanations were to the point.
  • Summarized material in a manner that aided retention.
  • Demonstrated the importance and significance of the subject.
  • Made it clear how each topic fit into the course.
  • Clearly stated the objectives of the course.
Flexibility
  • Changed approaches to meet new situations.
Emphasis on Helping Students Learn
  • Made it clear that he/she wanted to help students learn.

 

Student descriptions of their actions as a result of instructor motivation:

Increased Learning
  • Learned quickly.
  • Remembered material.
  • Succeeded in reaching course goals.
  • Got a better grade.
  • Began to apply learning.
Extended Efforts
  • Studied harder.
  • Worked more efficiently.
  • Paid more attention to quality.
  • Did the work assigned.
  • Came to class.
  • Took better notes.
Worked beyond Requirement
  • Outside readings.
  • Searched for applications
  • of learning.
  • Became involved in
  • related projects.
  • Did an additional paper.
Improved Attitude
  • Developed interest in subject.
  • Gained appreciation for content.
  • Wanted to learn the material.