Staying Motivated – lecture outline

Materials needed:

video - “Staying Motivated”suggestions (on last page) cut up into cards

Preparation:

Assign students to read “Staying Motivated” in the textbook.

Discussion:

1. Introduction

What percentage of students who start at Dixie State University get a degree? 30% (and it's not much better at other state schools)

What percentage of our class would graduate if we applied this percentage? (Count out every 3rd student – no, no, yes, no, no, yes)

How does that make you feel? How can we beat these odds?

One way is to talk about how to stay motivated. Everyone has times when they have a hard time getting motivated. Those who succeed don't just give in – they do something about it.

What kinds of things can make it difficult?• lots of homework• constant pressure• high expectations• lower grades than you had hoped for• illness, depression, anxiety• family problems, work problems, roommate problems, financial problems...• plain old mid-semester blues

What kinds of things have you been successful at in the past that have required persistence and determination? What did you do when your motivation slipped?

2. Video

Play “Staying Motivated” video.

Do any of the things these students said work for you? What other things do you do to stay motivated?

3. Suggestions in textbook

Put the students in groups of 3-5. Cut out the blocks on the next page, and distribute them

evenly. Give students a few minutes to read and discuss theirs.

Ask students to briefly present their cards (without reading them).OR

Briefly walk through suggestions in book

Put students in groups of 3. Give them card stock and markers

4. Assign students to complete the Staying Motivated Quiz in the textbook or on Canvas.

1. Have you struggled with staying motivated so far this semester?

2. What issues have made it difficult for you? (Or, what issues can you predict being difficult for you?)

3. What do you usually do when you find your motivation slipping? How do you get back on track?

4. What are some new strategies that you could try based on the video, class discussion, and ideas from the textbook?

1. Remember why you’re here. You came to college for a reason. What was it? If you start to think of quitting, or just can’t get the motivation todive into that studying for that test, it can help to go back to what’s in it for you if you succeed. Find out more about the career that these classes are preparing you for. Look for connections between what you are learning and what you hopeto do. Then consider the alternative— do you really want to spend your future flipping burgers, serving tables, or answering phones?

2. Set small, achievable goals. If you think about everything you need to do, it can be overwhelming. When the going gets tough, narrow your focus. Can you make flashcards for your biology class today, and look at them for 10 minutes each day for the next3 days? Can you take 10 minutes to go on-line and look for information about your research topic? Can you spend 30 minutes on your math homework? When you’re done, reward yourself with 10 minutes of Facebook time, or a video game, or a (small) handful of M&M’s. Then go on to the next thing.

3. Take a break. Taking a break isn’t the same as quitting. Set aside a certain amount of time to get away from all of the demands of school for a few hours in the afternoon, an evening, a weekend. Get outside and get some fresh air and sunshine. Clean up your room or kitchen. Eat a good meal with friends. Get some exercise. Do something that recharges your batteries so that you are able to go at it again when your break is up.

4. Consider changing your major. Maybe the reason you are having trouble is that what you’re studying isn’t a good fit for you. Is there something else out there that you might enjoy more, or do betterat? Visit the Academic Advisement Center or the Career Center for information about other options you might want to consider. You may also want to conside vocational training that might be more suitedto your talents.

5. Change your attitude. Maybe you know deep inside that you’re the problem, and you know you need to change. Well, the only person who can change you is you, so do it! Learn to see failures as wake-up calls. Take responsibility for yourself rather than blaming others for your difficulties.

6. Get organized. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it’s time to get organized. Make a list of all of the things that you need to do, and identify what should come first. Using good time management techniques will help you get out from under the mound of stuff to get done.

7. Make friends who share similar goals. The more people you know who share your goals of getting through college and starting a career, the more you can help each other get there. On the other hand, if you hang out with people who ridicule or belittle your goals, it can be really hard to keep going.

9. Get involved. You may think “But I’m already toobusy!” and you may be right, but on the other hand getting involved can really recharge your batteries. Joining a club, going to an athletic event, doing someservice, participating in intramural sports, and so on, can provide a welcome change of pace.

8. Ask for help. Maybe the trouble is you’re going it alone. You’re sinking, and you don’t know where to turn. It’s OK to walk into the Academic Advising Center and say “I need help.” You may need academic advice, personal counseling, or even financial help. No one will know you need help unless you come forward andask.

10. Just keep swimming. The root word of “motivation” comes from the idea of moving. Sometimes the best way to get through difficult times is to take the advise of a little blue fish and “just keep swimming, just keep swimming.”

11. Talk to someone. Talk to a friend or family member who can help you get motivated again. People who know you, love you, and want you to succeed can be powerful motivators. Take the time tocall, e-mail, or text them.