[Hypiereon]

Motivating students (I call them Trainees in my business) is ultimately the key to success in my business, but also the key to their learning success as trainees. I notice that teachers/trainers are usually pretty motivated, as are students/trainees at the beginning of a year or whenever classes initially start, but when newness and interest declines, so does the personal motivation to attend classes.

I also noticed not a lot of people seem to have much of a clue when it comes to how to resolve these issues. So, for what its worth, here's my two cents, and how I stay in business.

1. Trainees sign a "Commitment to Learning Contract." I get them to clearly articulate their goals, and then clearly explain to them that those goals cannot be reached with half-hearted efforts. It will take discipline and a commitment to come to class, do the homework, practice outside of class, and do all of these every week.

2. "Certificates of Completion" are awarded to Trainees who miss less than 4 days out of the training period. They are shown what the certificate will look like ahead of time, and it is stressed that someone who misses 5 days will not get a "Certificate of Completion." When someone does miss more than 4 days, they are met with personally to keep them encouraged and coming to see results even if they do not get the Cert.

3. I tell my Trainers that motivation begins and ends with them, and for them, motivation is not a feeling, it is a choice you make. Getting an energized person in the room adds energy to the room - period. I know we have to talk slow so they understand, but in the beginning of classes I train for, I'm always talking 100 mph - WAY beyond their level of comprehension - just to get class started and moving. Talking fast gets people moving and thinking fast, and after about the first minute I bring things down to speed with the class alert, attentive, and smiling.

4. When class gets quiet and rather solemn, try this - it always works for me. CLAP - POINT - ADDRESS. Clap your hands loudly - this always startles a few people to attention. Point to an individual - they will know you are talking to them. Address them by name - now everyone is looking and expecting that something is about to happen. Then go with whatever you have planned "Come to the front of the room and . . . ." "Please stand up and read out loud the . . . ." "Choose one person to come to the front of the room with you and . . . . "

For getting everyone's attention and immediately on the same page, I have found this works really well. Thought of trying fireworks once a long time ago, but will only try it when this loses its effect.