Advances in learning technology means that, during the current Covid-19 pandemic, academics and students are well prepared to continue their learning journeys at home. However, being able to use technology to connect with students and set work for them is one thing; motivating them to do this work is another matter altogether. In addition, there continues to be several unique challenges that students and academics must navigate through. As learner during this pandemic, finding the motivation to attend classes and study outside the traditional classroom setting is a daunting task.
As a factor that is inherently linked to attainment, student motivation is an integral part of a successful education experience. Research conducted by the Office for Students has also found that many students from disadvantaged backgrounds cited lower levels of persistence than their peers. Experts fear that the decline in motivation will continue as hybrid learning contexts fast become the norm.
Captivate learners with appealing course content
Courses that include interactive and digital media elements are typically more appealing and captivating than visually bland ones. If you make your online class or course unique and attention-grabbing, you give someone an extra reason to want to attend your class.
Studies have found that retention of information is significantly higher when we can tap into the emotional response of learners. For example, you can use images and videos that elicit am emotional response or use examples that are from human interest rather than using only abstract concepts. You can read more about using high impact video strategies and the Teesside University lecture capture software, ReView here:
https://blogs.tees.ac.uk/lteonline/2020/06/17/review-for-hybrid-learning/
https://blogs.tees.ac.uk/lteonline/2020/10/21/using-review-to-record-your-lecture-content/
Going social
Today’s learners are typically familiar with social features such as commenting and sharing online content. Having features like this as part of the online learning process can improve participation and engagement. Both Blackboard Collaborate and Microsoft Teams include these features and can be easily integrated into your learning and teaching strategy. You can read more about these features here:
https://blogs.tees.ac.uk/lteonline/2020/12/17/hints-and-tips-for-interaction-in-collaborate/
https://blogs.tees.ac.uk/lteonline/2020/12/01/collaborative-learning-with-microsoft-teams-2/
Even for courses that are focused more on individualistic learning, you can still make use of discussion forums and other tools that foster group discussion and collective problem-solving. Incorporating these social strategies into your learning plan will add a human touch to your course and help motivate your learners.
Add challenges
Challenges are one of the little things that can motivate people to go the extra mile. By incorporating quizzes, challenges, and assessments into your online course, you not only get an opportunity to evaluate your learners, but you also trigger the desire to succeed. For example, you can skip the unengaging introductory lessons by introducing a quiz that covers the basics and piques students’ curiosity with more complicated “teaser” questions. While starting the session with a quiz might not immediately win you friends, it does paint a clear picture of what your students already know. Using a quiz is a great way to set the direction of the lesson and, at the end of the lesson, to evaluate what learning has taken place. They can also be used to incorporate scaffolding, for example making tests easy to begin with, then increasing the level of complexity as topic areas are mastered. You learn more about how to create a test/survey using Blackboard here:
Create a collaborative learning environment
You can empower and motivate students by inviting them to contribute their knowledge. Learners can be a valuable source of support and bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the learning table. Learners can exchange information and insights for the benefit of their peers, which gives everyone the opportunity to broaden their knowledge base and refresh their skills.
For example, a successful business owner whom is undertaking a business course might be an excellent source of knowledge and expertise within a collaborative group-based scenario or project. This is also an excellent opportunity to blend collaborative learning with experiential and active learning to bring a topic or subject alive.
You can read more about how to create a collaborative learning environment here:
https://blogs.tees.ac.uk/lteonline/2020/11/19/collaborative-learning-to-improve-learner-support-2/
Give learners a say
Allowing your learners to have an input in the way the module will be delivered can go a long way towards improving interactivity and learner motivation. For example, by inviting learners to participate in aspects of the design of module delivery, they know their input matters and will be motivated to follow the module when it begins. Also, by asking for feedback at the end of the module, you can streamline future sessions and make them more relevant to their needs and interests for better results.
If you need any further help, please contact eLearning@tees.ac.uk