As an educator, I want to preface this message by saying that not even the best lessons, books, and materials in the world will make students excited about learning if they lack the motivation.
Motivation is key to the success of students, both intrinsically and extrinsically at all stages of their education. Teachers play a pivotal role in providing students with the necessary tools to foster and develop the love of learning by understanding what motivates their students. Yes, students are motivated differently and so it takes time and a lot of effort on the teacher’s part to learn to understand how to cultivate a classroom full of enthusiasm for learning, and persevering students.
Even the most educated teachers who have all good intentions to impart their knowledge to their students can lack these skills to keep students focused and on track.
There are numerous ways we can galvanize motivation and learning, but for this article, I'm going to list a few I think are ultra important (amongst many other key areas):
- Students need a sense of control while still receiving guidance from their teacher. By allowing them choice and control over what happens in the classroom, they feel like their opinions matter and therefore they have a vested interested in being engaged. For example a teacher can provide students the choice of what modality to present their presentations to the class.
- Provide students with clear learning objectives from the outset, with clearly defined goals. This would mitigate any confusion around objectives, rules, and expectations which can help keep them on track of their learning goals.
- Make learning collaborative and challenging so that students can have fun while paying attention to the work that is required. Although school should not be considered to be exclusively 'fun' except if students consider learning to be fun (which is great), but incorporating fun activities within a lesson is a great way to keep students more engaged and wanting to be part of a the friendly atmosphere that this style would elicit.
- Lastly, teachers can ensure that all students are provided with opportunities for success by being included and valued fairly and equally by showering them with recognition, especially the students who are frustrated, struggling and feeling demotivated. This point alone can really bolster students to success.
Comments