Ways to motivate and reward students

[AOx1]

As an instructor, I am always looking for ways to motivate and encourage students. My students are already great and the huge majority are already self-motivated. We don't have any attendance policy and attendance is really high, but I am looking for extra ways to reward and encourage the class for their hard work.

Wish I could afford to treat them all to pizza and salad but on an instructor salary that isn't happening!

What have your past instructors done that motivated, encouraged, or helped you out? What are some of the things that make you love nursing as a student?

[AOx1]

Thanks to all who have responded. I appreciate your comments.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I'm all for making classes pleasant -- and being very fair -- and kind -- to students. Students deserve that. I am a popular teacher.

But y'know, there are limits as to what instructors should have to do for motivation. If students don't come to class wanting to a good job, then perhaps they should not be there in the first place. Teaching a good, stimulating class while remaining fair, compassionate, and pleasant should be enough. For good students, it is enough.

[AOx1]

As I mentioned, my students are already motivated. I am looking for tips from the student perspective about what motivators/encouragements have been most appreciated by them when in school. We all need something extra now and then; that doesn't mean we shouldn't be there.

I love my job and am obviously self- motivated, but everyone enjoys a small reward and a word of encouragement for a job well done. The best encouragements are often free. I'm not looking for bribes for the students or trying to make myself popular, or to do anything unreasonable, merely looking for ways to show the students their hard work is recognized. Even the best students have times when they doubt themselves, and need a little something extra. We all do. There is nothing better than that little 'pat on the back'- several of my students have no one else to recognize their accomplishments.