What is motivation?
Motivation is defined as “the general desire or willingness for someone to do something"Now imagine if that something was learning...the possibilities in the classroom would be endless!
As educators, it is important to recognize that an unmotivated student will not learn effectively. Motivation directly affects the students' learning and behaviour. Ormrod (2014) explains that students strive when they set goals for themselves. Motivation is the factor which allows them to set these specific goals. It also leads to increased energy and effort, and the more motivated they are, the more enthusiastically they will pursue a particular task. Motivation also increases initiation and persistence in activities. When students start a task they want to do, they will be likely to stay on task. Lastly, motivation affects cognitive processes. Motivated learners make an effort to pay attention, and meaningfully understand the material (Ormrod, 2014).
Consequently, I believe that a key priority for every teacher should be to create an engaging environment which can inspire students. Not only is motivation rewarding for the students, but it is just as exciting for the teachers when the students are invested in their learning ("Motivating Students", n.d.).
Before I discuss ways to motivate students, I think
it is important to recognize reasons why students may be unmotivated. However, be careful not to confuse a student who is having difficulty learning as being unmotivated.
Reasons student may not be motivated include:
- Lack of interest in the subject
- getting distracted by external forces
- being unengaged by the teacher’s practices ("Motivating Students", n.d.)
The image below demonstrates the different ways a classroom environment can be modified to motivate students.
A key point to remember is that every student will be motivated in one way or another! Teach.Com provides some great tips on how to get your students excited about learning. These tips include:
1. Encouraging Students:
Students really value a teacher's opinion. A little recognition can go a long way when a student feels valued and respected.
2. Get your students involved
If students are given responsibilities, it provides them with a sense of accomplishment and makes them feel like active members of the learning process.
3. Offer incentives
It is important to set expectations and encourage participation, but sometimes that is not enough. Rewards and incentives give students that extra push, and it can provide a sense of pride when the goal is accomplished.
4. Get Creative
As an educator, try to steer away from a singular teaching practice. Be flexible with your methods, and don't be afraid to bring in visual aids, games, and to enhance the teaching.
5. Draw connections to real life
Give the students a reason to believe that what they are learning is important. When you explain how the material applies to them, and how it can relate to their life, they will be much more attentive. ("Motivating Students", n.d.) Lastly, for those of you are interested in a few extra strategies to increase student engagement, I have attached a video clip with 7 great tips!
References:
Motivating Students. (n.d.). Teach.com.
Retrieved October 5, 2015 from http://teach.com/what/ teachers-change-lives/teachers-motivate
Ormrod, J. (2014, April 30). How Motivation
Affects Learning and Behavior. Retrieved October 5, 2015, from http://www.education.com/reference/article/motivation-affects-learning-behavior/
Strong, R., Silver, H., & Robinson, A.
(1995). What do students want (and what really motivates them)?. Strengthening student engagement. 53
(1), 8-12. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/public ations/educational-leadership/sept95/vol53/num01/Strengthening-Student-Engagement@-What-Do-Students-Want.aspx
