Student Motivation for Learning

Tuesday, October 28, 2014 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

What motivates student learning? Can instructors influence the motivation levels of their students?

Students in class

Some theorists believe that motivation for learning is impacted by two factors:

1. Student beliefs about their ability to succeed in the learning task (expectancy)

2. The perceived importance of the learning (value).

This session will investigate the impact of instructor approaches and practices on student conceptions of expectancy and value.

Co-facilitated by Donna Ellis, Director of the Centre for Teaching Excellence, and Gordon Stubley, Associate Dean, Engineering Teaching, this workshop-style event will help participants investigate how their own experiences have informed their thinking about student motivation.

Participants will leave with specific strategies that can be applied to facilitate and foster motivation for learning in their students. All Waterloo Engineering faculty members, sessional instructors, and teaching assistants are welcome to participate in this session.

All engineering faculty are encouraged to attend — registration is not required. Refreshments will be provided. Please contact Kathy Becker if you have any questions about this event.