Motivation
True Motivation is intrinsic; it comes from within. Working with students to discover what motivates them is probably my most important goal as a teacher. Once a student understands how to motivate him or herself, the student is the master of his or her own achievement. Since students have different teachers from year to year, students will eventually need to learn how they work best, in order to thrive while working in different environments and with different teachers' styles and methods.
In order to motivate students, one must first establish a relationship of mutual respect. Studies indicate that relationships of mutual respect are characterized by support, insistence and high expectations.
Variables Teachers Can Manipulate to Increase Student Motivation:
based on the research by Madeline Hunter
Other Helpful Links for Educators
In order to motivate students, one must first establish a relationship of mutual respect. Studies indicate that relationships of mutual respect are characterized by support, insistence and high expectations.
- Support - support can be provided in so many ways. From making oneself available before school, after school and during lunch to attending after-school events and participating in bus or lunch duty, teachers can support their students. At the middle school level it is not so much about attending sports events or dances, but simply being visible throughout the school and providing yourself as a trusted adult in a student's life.
- Insistence - never giving up on a student is key at this age. These students are still children, and to give up on a child at such a young age would create nearly irreparable damage. Be insistent that students improve with their work, behavior, and that they have a healthy and positive attitude by checking in frequently.
- High Expectations - these can be communicated in a syllabus or rubric, but more often need to be spoken in class. To tell a class what you expect of them and then challenge them to do it really motivates middle-schoolers. If they aren't reaching expectations, do not lower them. Instead, share your observations and give the students ideas for how to improve, chances to practice and above all, an inspirational pep-talk or two.
Variables Teachers Can Manipulate to Increase Student Motivation:
based on the research by Madeline Hunter
- Degree of tension/concern existing within the learner
- Feeling tone of learning environment
- Interest in the subject matter
- Success with learning and performing
- Difficulty of the given task
- Knowledge/awareness of results
- Connection of activity to an internalized goal
Other Helpful Links for Educators