Motivating students: teaching strategies for student learning

Motivating students: teaching strategies for student learning

Teach more effectively with these techniques

Motivating students is a challenge all teachers face. Every classroom has a wide array of students, and each brings different learning styles, interests, and life experiences. That is what makes each classroom unique and special. Teachers can use several strategies to tap into students' individual learning styles and interests, making learning more fun and meaningful at the same time. One excellent place to start is by developing strong classroom management skills; you can refine your natural talents in this area by following the tips in Take Back That Class.

Here are some teaching ideas for motivating students:

Expectations. Teachers should set reasonable objectives for every lesson that allow students to progress. Expect them to achieve the objectives, and they will. Studies show that students achieve at higher rates when their teachers have high expectations for them.

Uplifting. Keep the classroom atmosphere positive and uplifting. A cheerful, motivating environment fuels students' intrinsic need to succeed in their endeavors.

Praise. Positive reinforcement is a tried-and-true method of teaching new material. Make sure to let students know when they have done a good job. For example, you can give rewards or stickers for high test scores.

Variation. Because everyone learns differently, vary the ways students earn rewards. Consider all aspects of the classroom when creating rewards, including test scores, daily lessons, and even behavior.

Success. Motivate students by showing them that they can succeed in the classroom. Teachers can differentiate instruction to meet students' needs by adjusting classwork to appropriate levels. Classwork can be modified in several ways: shortened assignments, extra response time, or enrichment activities.

Relevance. Show students how what they are learning matters in real life. This is one of the most effective motivation techniques, especially for older students, because it lends meaning and purpose to their hard work. Guide them to discuss new material, and allow them to draw on their own experiences to enrich and understand it.

Engaging Questions. Lead with questions that get students talking. Encourage them to discuss the topic by bringing what they already know into the classroom discussion. Clarify questions by encouraging them to talk with each other first and build on their existing knowledge.

Problem Solving. Teaching students how to overcome challenges is another important factor in keeping them motivated. If they have the skills to navigate problems they encounter, they will achieve more. One way to do this is to encourage students to ask questions when they are unclear on new material.

Teamwork. Teamwork is one of the most important factors in motivating students. When they work together toward a common goal, they bond and learn to work well together in the future. This cohesion boosts productivity among students and creates a more positive teaching environment.

Incorporate different learning styles. Use a variety of teaching strategies to facilitate lessons. Classroom discussions involve whole-group learning. Cooperative group learning lets students work together on assignments in small groups. Direct instruction allows teachers to model assignments first so students can then work independently at their desks.

Rewards and Privileges. Rewards and privileges are great motivational tools for hard work. Teachers can use a variety of them to motivate student participation. Examples include:

• Lunch with the teacher allows students to come back to the classroom and eat lunch with the teacher.
• Extra center time allows students to have a few more minutes at a computer lab.
• Pizza parties or snacks can be offered as incentives.
• A token-based economy is a great reward system that lets students earn points or 'tokens' that can be cashed in for prizes, such as pencils or notepads.

Motivating students with the rewards listed above is particularly effective for younger students.

Removing Barriers to Learning. Another way to motivate students is to remove roadblocks that keep them from learning. Even with proper motivation, a student faced with a barrier they lack the tools to overcome will not succeed and may lose motivation because of that lack of success. Spend classroom time removing educational obstacles so they can learn and grow. The following barriers affect motivation.

• Communication. Students and teachers need to communicate their needs with each other. Open lines of communication with your students make a big difference when trying to motivate them to do their work.
• Safe Environment. Students learn best in a classroom free of debris. Keep the room tidy with your students' help! Requiring them to clean their own area also helps them feel they are contributing to the group.
• Accommodations. Some students have limitations. Once these are communicated, work around the issue. Small changes to help students learn will keep them motivated. For example, some students may need left-handed scissors to complete their work.
• Seating. Plan seating arrangements so all students can retain new material. Some students learn best at the front of the classroom rather than the back, where they are easily distracted. Ensure students are seated for optimal learning.
• Rules. Clear rules give students a safe, dependable system in which to work. Post class rules in a conspicuous place. Go over them with students at the beginning of the year, and make sure they remain posted where students can glance at them at any time.

There are many ways to motivate students. Most importantly, teachers can show students that they can be great learners. By addressing the various needs of students in each classroom, achievement levels will increase, along with their positive motivation.