A List Of Simple Ideas To Improve Student Motivation

If students aren't motivated to learn, the best lessons, books, and materials won't work.

Teachers can play an important role in providing and encouraging motivation in students at all stages of their education, whether it's intrinsic or extrinsic. This is easier said than done, however, since all students are motivated differently, and it takes time and a lot of effort to make a classroom full of kids enthusiastic about learning, working hard, and pushing themselves to excel.

No matter how well-intentioned and educated a teacher may be, they may not have the skills to keep their students on track. Whether you're a new teacher or an experienced one, use these tips to improve student motivation and to encourage them to live up to their full potential.

1. Give students a sense of control

Although guidance from a teacher is important to keep students on task and motivated, giving them some choice and control over what happens in the classroom is actually one of the best ways to keep them interested. Having students choose which assignments they complete or which problems they work on, for instance, can give them a sense of control that may motivate them to work harder.

2. Be clear about learning objectives

Without clearly defined objectives, it can be very difficult for students to complete an assignment or even to behave in class. To stay motivated, students need to know what is expected of them. Establish clear objectives, rules, and expectations for the students at the beginning of the year so that there is no confusion and they know what they need to accomplish.

3. Create a threat-free environment

Although students do need to understand that there are consequences for their actions, positive reinforcement is far more motivating to students than threats. Students are more likely to stay motivated to do their work when teachers create a supportive environment for them, affirming their belief in their abilities rather than listing the consequences of not doing something.

At the end of the day, students will fulfill the expectations that adults communicate to them, so focus on can't, not can.

See Formative Assessment: 60 Non-Threatening Strategies .

4. Change your surroundings

Classrooms are great places for learning, but sitting at a desk day after day can make school seem a bit dull for some students. Give your students a chance to get out of the classroom in order to reinvigorate their interest in the subject matter or learning in general. Go on field trips, bring in speakers, or even just do some research in the library. Having a new environment can motivate some students to learn because the brain loves novelty.

5. Offer varied experiences.

Not all students will respond the same way to lessons. For some, hands-on experiences are the most effective. Other people prefer to read quietly or to work in groups. Make sure that students with different preferences get time focused on the things they enjoy most. This will keep all students motivated. Students will remain engaged and attentive.

6. Use positive competition

Competing in the classroom is not always a bad thing, and it can sometimes motivate students to do their best. Make your classroom an atmosphere of friendly competition, perhaps through group games related to the material or other opportunities for students to demonstrate their knowledge or skills.

7. Reward students.

Giving your students the opportunity to earn rewards is an excellent way to motivate them. Organizing pizza parties, watching movies, or even putting a sticker on a paper can motivate students to work harder and achieve their goals. To determine the appropriate rewards for your class, take into account the personalities and needs of your students.

8. Encourage students to take responsibility.

Having students work in the classroom is a great way to build a community and motivate them. Classroom jobs are viewed as a privilege rather than a burden by most students, so they will do their best to meet expectations. In order for students to feel valued and important, it can also be useful for them to take turns leading activities.

9. Allow students to work together

Even though not all students will jump at the opportunity to work in groups, many will enjoy solving problems, doing experiments with other students, and working on projects with them. Social interaction can motivate them to reach a goal in the classroom and get them excited about things in class. In order to ensure that no one student is doing more work than another, teachers should ensure balance and fairness within groups.

10. Give praise when earned

Encouragement may be the best form of motivation. Every student, regardless of their age, craves recognition and praise. Teachers can motivate students by rewarding success publicly, praising exemplary work, and praising students for their hard work.

11. Promote self-reflection.

Children want to succeed, but they need help figuring out how to do it. Getting your students to analyze themselves and identify their strengths and weaknesses is one way to motivate them. They are often more motivated to create their own critiques of themselves than to have a teacher do it for them, since it makes them feel like they are in charge of creating their own objectives and goals. For metacognitive prompts to help students reflect, see Metacognitive Prompts.

12. Model enthusiasm for learning!

Motivating your students by sharing your enthusiasm is one of the best ways. When you are enthusiastic about teaching, your students will be much more enthusiastic about learning. This is a no-brainer.

13. Know your students

Learning your students' names is only one part of getting to know them. It is crucial that students know they have a teacher who cares about them and is interested in their success. A safe learning environment is created when students feel appreciated, which motivates them to work harder, since they want praise and good feedback from someone they feel knows them and respects them as individuals.

14. Identify student interests.

The ability to relate classroom material to things that students are interested in or have experienced is another benefit of getting to know your students. These interests can be used by teachers to make lessons more interesting and relatable to students, keeping them motivated for longer periods of time.

15. Motivate students intrinsically

Getting students motivated can be beneficial, but ultimately, they must be able to generate their own motivation. You can improve student motivation by helping students discover their own reasons for doing classwork and working hard, whether they find material interesting, want to attend college, or just love to learn.

16. Manage student anxiety

Some students become self-fulfilling prophecies when they feel anxious about not doing well. It is possible that teachers will find that these students are most motivated by learning that struggling with a subject isn't the end of the world for them. You should offer support regardless of the end result and make sure students don't feel overwhelmed by expectations that they just give up.

17. Make goals high but attainable

When you don't push your students to do more than the bare minimum, they won't go beyond that on their own. If you expect high expectations from students, they'll work hard to achieve them. Don't be afraid to push them to achieve more, and they'll work hard to achieve them.

18. Give learning feedback and offer chances to improve

Some students who struggle with classwork can get frustrated and demotivated, which drains their motivation. Teachers must provide students with effective feedback in these circumstances so that they can understand exactly where they went wrong and how they can improve. Finding a way to get students where they want to be can also help them stay motivated to work hard.

19. Track progress

With subjects that are challenging for students, it can be difficult to see how far they've come. Keeping track in the classroom can be beneficial for both students and teachers. Students can see how much they are learning and improving throughout the year when teachers use this method, boosting motivation.

20. Make things fun

It isn't necessary to make all classwork fun and games, but students who see school as a place where they can have fun will be more motivated to pay attention and do the work that is required of them than those who view it as a chore. Making the classroom a more friendly place for all students by adding fun activities to your school day can help struggling students stay engaged.

21. Provide opportunities for success

If students feel they're struggling or not getting the recognition their peers are receiving, they can become frustrated and demotivated. Assure that all students feel included and valued and can play to their strengths. It makes a huge difference and can motivate students.