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Many different factors affect a student's motivation to learn - check out 6 ways to motivate your students.
They can talk non-stop about their favourite cartoon character or memorise a pop song without difficulty. So, why can't they concentrate in class? Unfortunately, there's no magic formula. Many different factors affect a student's motivation to learn - not all of them are motivated by the same values, needs, desires, or wants.
But here's the good news. We now know what's proven to motivate students. They are:
- Teacher's enthusiasm
- Difficulty level is just right
- Students are actively involved
- Variety of learning activities
- Good rapport between teacher and students
- Use of good examples
Six Ways to Motivate Your Students
Research shows that good everyday teaching practices can do the trick. Try these:
1. Tell them how to do well
Research shows that many students do poorly on assignments or don't participate because they don't understand what to do or why they should do it. So, make instructions clear and tell them why they're doing the assignments. Relate what they're learning to what's going on in the "real world" and what's important to them. Let them know what exactly they must do if they want to succeed. Give them regular feedback on their work.
2. Be enthusiastic
How can you expect your students to be excited about the subject if you aren't excited yourself? You'd be more enthusiastic if you challenge yourself to come up with exciting ways to teach the materials and want to share new things with your students that you think can make a difference in their lives.
3. Vary teaching methods
Don't spend too much time giving long lectures. Get students to participate in their learning. Try new ways of teaching: brainstorming, discussions, Internet discussion boards, demonstrations, case studies, audiovisual presentations such as Youtube, guest speakers, group problem-solving or going out of the classroom to learn. The variety would make students more keen to participate in their own learning.
4. Develop good rapport
Don't underestimate the impact of good rapport on learning. Students are motivated by teachers who are caring, approachable and can identify with their problems. Share stories about yourself that make you human and approachable. Show that you genuinely care about your students by asking about their concerns, goals, plans, likes and dislikes.
5. Give them a say
Students are more motivated to participate if they have a say in what the task is, how it's to be carried out and presented. The more controlling you are, the less motivated the student will be. So, give them a choice from a number of topics or activities.
6 Cater to student's level
Make sure that learning tasks are neither too difficult nor too easy for their age and ability. If it's too easy, the student will be bored and unmotivated. If it's too difficult, the student may get frustrated and give up. Ask for feedback so you can adjust the level of difficulty.
Would you like to share your ideas on motivating students to learn? Email your thoughts to
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