If students aren’t motivated, the best resources in the world won’t make them want to learn or work hard. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to motivate students. Some are simple, and some may take a little more effort, but all are worth trying. Of course, you can choose one or several tips from our list or just be inspired by them and come up with your own ideas.
As a teacher, you better know your pupils and their needs. Perhaps, your younger learners will be fond of superlative awards for students from StoryboardThat. Also, ensure that you pay attention to their response to the methods you use to motivate them. Thus, your strategies will be the most effective.
1. Make it relevant
One of the best ways to get students motivated is to ensure that what they’re learning is relevant to their lives. When students can see how what they’re doing in class applies to the real world, they’re more likely to be interested and engaged.
If you’re teaching a history class, for example, find ways to connect the material to current events. If you’re teaching a science class, try to find real-world applications for the concepts you’re covering. The more relevant your lessons are, the more motivated your students will be to learn.
2. Get them moving
It’s no secret that kids have a lot of energy. It can be tough to get them to sit still for long periods, but they must learn to do so. However, that doesn’t mean they have to be glued to their seats all day long.
There are plenty of ways to get students moving while still allowing them to learn. You can incorporate movement into your lessons, for example, by having students stand up and move around when they’re working in groups. You can also give them breaks to run around and release some energy. Incorporating movement into your lessons will not only get students out of their seats, but it will also help them to focus and stay on task.
3. Make it fun
Another great way to motivate students is to make learning fun. When students are enjoying themselves, they’re more likely to be engaged and interested in what they’re doing. There are plenty of ways to make learning fun, so get creative and think outside the box.
One way to make learning fun is to incorporate games into your lessons. You can also use technology to make learning more interactive and engaging. If you’re teaching a foreign language, for example, you can use an app like Duolingo to make the learning process more fun and engaging. There are also plenty of websites and apps that offer educational resources that are both fun and informative.
4. Give them a choice
Giving students a sense of control over their learning is a great way to motivate them. When students feel like they have a say in what they’re learning, they’re more likely to be interested and engaged.
One way to give students a sense of control is to let them choose their own topics of interest for research. This not only allows them to learn about something they’re passionate about, but it also gives them a chance to take ownership of their learning. You can also let students choose how they want to show what they’ve learned. For example, they can create a presentation, write a paper, or make a video.
5. Encourage collaboration
Collaborative learning is a great way to motivate students. When students work together, they’re not only more likely to be engaged, but they’re also more likely to retain information.
There are many ways to encourage collaboration in your classroom. One way is to have students work in groups on assignments and projects. You can also create opportunities for students to share their work with the class. For example, you can have them present their findings to the rest of the group. Collaborative learning is a great way to get students motivated and engaged in their learning.
6. Set high expectations
Setting high expectations is a great way to motivate students. When students know that you expect them to do their best, they’re more likely to rise to the challenge.
It’s essential to set high expectations for all students, not just the ones who are struggling. All students are capable of success, and it’s important to let them know that you believe in them. When setting high expectations, be sure to give students the resources and support they need to meet those expectations.
