

Motivational Techniques
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"A quote you gave us at the end of the course stuck to my head. 'Aim for the moon...and if you miss you will still end up with the stars'. I have always been an overachiever, and always wanted to be the best at what I do (actually, when I come to think of it, it could be a bad quality!). Nonetheless, you made me feel better about myself, because a person should always aim high and by doing so they will find 'inner satisfaction' (even if they don't reach their goals)."
I. K.- Student,
MG 310.0, Principles of Management
12/07/04
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I realize that, although at the university level students have made a deliberate choice to be there, there are various reasons for their need of motivation.
Some of the main reasons I encountered are:
- Fatigue after long workdays and weeks in evening or weekend classes.
- Senioritis when the end of their degree program is in sight.
- Discouragement due to an unforeseen setback in the speed of obtaining their degree (illness, family- or work issues)
- Overload of courses, combined with a busy work- and family schedule.
Some of the strategies I apply in motivating my students are:
- Showing genuine interest in their daily whereabouts: I start each class with an invitation to share whatever they want. I also make sure I remain available during breaks, so that students with personal problems can come and discuss them with me if they feel the need to do so.
- Writing positive comments and encouraging statements below their submitted assignments.
- Encouraging vivid in-class interaction with much self-reflection, which tends to take away initial fatigue.
- Create room for out-of-class communication, through emails or scheduling meeting appointments.
- Be prompt in responding to questions and issues.
- Regularly solicit feedback about their understanding of the material.
- Be as clear as possible in all segments from the initial review of the syllabus till the submission of the final exam.
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"On the first evening of class Dr. Marques made a powerful statement regarding those of us who are not considered for raises and promotions in the workplace. She suggested that we see ourselves as a business offering a service to the employer. That was the defining moment for me in my career as I suddenly began to feel empowered instead of constantly comparing myself to other co-workers. By applying such sound advise, it keeps me sane and focused while challenging my internal drives to make a better life for myself."
P. M. - Student,
IB 350.0, Management of Global Enterprise
April 14, 2006
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