While teaching and learning may seem joyful, even the most well-intentioned teachers can face difficulties in keeping students on task. What is definitely required to get the students excited is motivation, by all means! It is a fact that each student is motivated differently; thus, a variety of strategies is necessary for students to engage and live up to their full potential.
Learning Can Be Fun
All students prefer fun activities to monotonous ones, so why not make your classroom dynamic by adding games and competitions to spark their interest? This way, not only will the students stay engaged, but learning can become friendlier and more effective. Besides, by playing games, students express themselves by sharing knowledge and interacting.
Be Enthusiastic
Do not hesitate to share your enthusiasm and excitement about new knowledge. Students tend to imitate attitudes and expressions, so what is more motivating than modeling enthusiasm in your classroom? Body language, eye contact, and voice tone are your tools. Use them appropriately. After all, the more you are excited about learning, the more motivated they become.
Praise the Students
Encouragement may be the most ideal form of motivation, not only for students but for adults as well. When being encouraged, students are pushed in the right direction, as their hard work is recognized. Expressions such as “You outdid yourselves,” “You have worked really hard,” or “You gave it 110%” are just a few to empower your students’ motivation.
Encourage Group Work
Social interaction in the classroom can motivate students to reach their goals, as long as the groups are balanced for all students to work equally. They can communicate and learn from one another and thus develop new approaches to resolve differences and work successfully.
Creating Intrinsic Motivation
There are various techniques for students to get motivated; however, students should be able to generate their own motivation. Part of the teacher’s job could be to help students focus on the reasons for personal hard work, whether it’s their love for learning or their future career.
Deal with Student Anxiety
Undoubtedly, students have experienced anxiety due to an exam, an assignment, or a troublesome situation. What matters most is that the teacher listens and empathizes with them, supporting them by extending the deadline or offering alternatives so that the students are not overwhelmed by expectations they cannot live up to. Let them know that it is never too late to ask for help!
Provide Students with a Sense of Control
Allowing students to have some choice can be one of the best ways to motivate them to do even more. Either choosing the type of assignment or a book to read can offer them this sense of control they need to keep them on task and motivated.
Create a Friendly Environment
There is no denying that when teachers foster a pleasant atmosphere, as well as a safe and supportive environment for students, it is much more likely for them to stay engaged and motivated. Positive reinforcement rather than threats is the key to fulfilling both the teachers’ and the students’ expectations. Remember to let them know what they can do, not what they can’t. At the end of the day, not only participation but also comprehension will be achieved.
Set Attainable Goals
Ask your students what they hope to accomplish and urge them to set their own goals to do more than the bare minimum. Challenge your students to work harder and achieve high expectations, as long as these goals are within their reach.
Provide Success Opportunities
All students should be endowed with equal opportunities to be motivated. It is essential that they get recognition and be offered the chance to materialize their dreams so as not to lose motivation.
Track Students’ Progress
Tracking your students’ progress can prove to be really useful both for the teacher and the student. When progress is acknowledged, students can realize their improvement while the teacher can put emphasis on those who encounter problems. This way, not only is motivation reinforced but also more confidence is gained.
Set Clear Learning Objectives
At the beginning of the school year, make sure the learning objectives are clear so that the students avoid confusion or misinterpretation of the goals they are expected to attain. The students are able to set their own goals if they are aware of the teacher’s expectations and, as a result, will stay motivated to work hard. When giving assignments, clear instructions ought to be provided to make the learning process more productive and effective.
Provide Feedback
Make sure feedback is provided at the end of the learning process for the students to realize what went wrong or be pointed in the right direction. You will offer them room for improvement and keep them motivated to try harder next time.
All things considered, it is essential that students be motivated from the beginning; thus, the learning process will be assessed and boosted. Teachers should not forget to offer guidance whenever needed. After all, how we want to be remembered is entirely up to us!
