Excellent educational therapists and teachers will acknowledge that student motivation is critical to successful learning. As former U.S. Education Secretary Terrel Bell once expressed, “There are three things to remember about education. The first is motivation. The second one is motivation. The third one is motivation.”
According to recent research studies, educators are more influential than parents in motivating students to learn. However, even the most experienced teachers find it challenging to keep students focused, enthusiastic, and working towards their goals. While educators may prepare the most meticulously planned lessons and classroom activities, students who aren’t motivated will not learn or thrive academically.
Thankfully, our team of therapy staffing experts is here to help! We’ve carefully searched the web to discover educator-approved methods to influence students’ motivation. So, here are unconventional strategies that can help students increase their engagement, boost their academic performance, take ownership of their learning, improve their self-esteem–and ultimately reach their full potential.
- Set Clear Learning Objectives
Students often find participating in learning activities or finishing an assignment without clearly outlined objectives frustrating. To remain motivated while working, students must understand the educator’s expectations, classroom rules, and learning goals. Consider clearly defining objectives during the first few weeks of school so that students can focus on continually working towards achieving measurable goals.
- Build Quality Relationships
We cannot reiterate enough that building high-quality relationships with educators can help children cultivate intrinsic motivation. We advise teachers to express a genuine interest in their students by asking questions about their aspirations, interests, and background.
Healthy relationships with adults can support students’ mental health, build self-esteem, improve emotional regulation, and more. Act friendly by smiling and joking to instantly create rapport and increase comfort levels, making a positive in-person or online learning environment for students and educators.
- Create a Safe Learning Space
Children are more likely to stay motivated in a safe and supportive environment emphasizing their potential for success rather than the consequences of erroneous actions. Once safety threats like bullying or physical violence are removed from the learning space, students are more likely to feel motivated to complete their work–and excel academically as a result.
- Give Students Autonomy
Giving students the freedom of choice can promote increased autonomy and self-sufficiency in learners. While students often rely on guidance and continual reinforcement from a teacher to stay on task, encouraging students to choose what they learn provides a greater sense of control over their learning and what occurs in the classroom.
Several ways to give students autonomy include allowing students to decide where they want to sit on the rug or select the type of assignment they will complete, such as:
- Reading a picture book
- Preparing a skit
- Writing a book report
- Presenting a poster
- Performing a spoken word poem
- Make Real-World Connections
According to researchers, students learn more effectively if the course materials are relevant to their lives. Educators should encourage their students to forge meaningful connections to lessons and activities by identifying relevant topics of interest to their lives.
For example, students passionate about sports may be more engaged and motivated if prompted to write an essay or prepare a speech about their favorite basketball team or sporting event.
Educational therapists and teachers, what strategies to motivate students have you tried using in your classroom? We’d love to know. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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