How to motivate your students

Author:
aljensen
Topic:
Addition
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How to motivate your students

Motivating students is not always an easy task, but indeed the most rewarding one. Some teachers say that it is one of the most challenging things they have learned throughout their careers. They are right: to motivate their class, the teacher should understand their needs and interests and focus their methodology towards that and not the other way around. Students who are more motivated in their learning participate more in the classroom activities proposed by the teacher, so this motivation is essential. On the other hand, students with no motivation at all feel unwilling to learn and may even disrupt their classmates' learning, distorting the classroom's good atmosphere. For example, buying a research paper seems fine for unmotivated students when those with motivation will most likely write it themselves. Ultimately, more motivated to learn students will make the teaching-learning experience enjoyable and successful for everyone. For this reason, it is essential that all students in your classroom feel the same desire to learn - something that you will achieve if you adapt to them, instead of making them adapt to you. So, how exactly do you motivate students? Here are some simple and effective ways to motivate your students in class and get them excited about learning. Implementing them will make you feel much better when you see the good results they will gradually achieve. 1. Respect your students It is a simple rule of reciprocity that will help you in every aspect of your life, even outside the classroom. For students to respect the adult, they must also feel respected. Remember that respect is earned through trust, not fear of punishment. Children see adults as an example, as well as a significant stimulus for learning. When they receive the needed respect and recognition for a job well done, they feel valued, and it makes them feel enthusiastic about learning. To do this, don't hesitate to praise your students, even for something minimal, because it is the smallest step that helps to achieve much more significant ones. Trust in your students' potential, and you will not be disappointed. 2. Try implementing new activities Sometimes a simple change of methods will make things work much better. To do this, you may consider the following tips:
  • Forget about textbooks for a while and try using more interactive learning techniques such as playing online games, videoconferencing with other classes and schools, going on excursions, watching documentaries, and then discussing them together, etc.
  • Promote cooperation among students to teach them to be responsible for accomplishing their part in group collaboration.
  • Connect their new knowledge to daily life.
  • Offer monthly non-material incentives to enhance motivation and teamwork.
3. Transfer your motivation to the learners Emotional engagement tends to be viral. Your motivation is essential; it is something you can pass on to your students. If you transmit your interest and enthusiasm for what you are teaching, students will perceive your interest in the subject and undoubtedly end up participating in it.