Teach English in Houbeizhuang Zhen - Changzhi Shi

How do I get students motivated to learn and to maintain motivation? Motivation can be: • Intrinsic which is where the student has an interest and is inspired internally. • Extrinsic where motivation occurs when factors such as reward or recognition encourages them to participate in the class. Motivation has been considered as one of the most important reasons that inspires a person to move forward in life. It is an international buzzword-not only in the classroom but everywhere,including the kindergarten, school assemblies, Business meetings, Church and University halls- it is going viral.The reason being is that it is relevant. One of the hardest challenges must be for a Teacher to not just initiate motivation but also to perpetuate it throughout the course. Whether teaching young learners or adults ,there are motivational means abound to encourage the students to do well. Teachers are all uniquely different and there are no limits to the questions and answers about motivation.When , how and if are unto the Teacher to decide. Without doubt motivation is something which goes hand in hand with a happy classroom. I believe that a positive attitude, good energy and a wide smile are three attributes which will be excellent initial motivators when introducing yourself as the Teacher to a classroom full of students, whether they are five year olds , teenagers or adults. Likewise all students have different objectives, skill sets and attitude. Their independent reasons for learning and hence their motivation may well be quite different.Living up to parents expectations can be a hardship aswell as a motivation. An observant teacher can help with this. Whatever the circumstance, whatever age the pupil, the one thing that must be consistent is the sense of a ‘safe environment’ and making the classroom a place they want to be. To make them feel comfortable in themselves is a good starting point, establishing a solid foundation on which to start building confidence bricks. By stepping into a room calmly and confidently,by observing the simple etiquettes of the classroom allows a bigger picture to be read. Sometimes pictures/scenes can impart more information than words. In the classroom Teachers play a pivotal role in providing encouragement and motivation in their studies so,to set an example in how we dress, speak, behave and communicate are very important for the first impressions.Appearing confident on the outside does generate confidence , and so no matter how nervous you are as a first time teacher -it is important to stand tall. It is clear humans are easily influenced- and so this must be in a good and positive way. The informal approach of meeting the students with an easy open talk discussion at the start of the class is always good for breaking the ice. It also allows for a lot of information to be processed. Important issues are often gauged at this stage, such as insecurities, simple confusions cleared up and what personal issues are being felt about the new project. Better to troubleshoot early on before it blows into an irreversible problem. Reassurance can be a wonderful motivator. Once their confidence has been gained, then progress can be made in the course. Other motivational aids include harnessing the students’ interests or making goals attainable, providing alternatives to help them progress in the field.Sometimes a change is as good as a rest -and by switching something it can appear to be something new and wonderful.The student feels in charge and inspired. Reassurance and regular appraisal are important to keep the students motivated. Yes this may drain away mid course,but by keeping up good dialogue, humour and using positive correction techniques should hopefully pacify any disillusionment. By keeping enthusiastic about the course can bring about positive a response aswell as providing some variation ,in the form of a field trip or a picnic in the park.It is surprising how much this change in structure can reactivate motivation. Nothing happens without hard work,and no matter how much effort the Teacher puts in , if the student is unwilling then lack of motivation can arise. It is something all of us have experienced at some stage - but it is like a passing cloud. With a carefully thought out solution the Teacher can usually provide some reprieve.Even if the Teacher can plant a seed in the mind of the student ,without stating the obvious - then invariably the seed will grow and there will be an improvement down the line. Gentle goading and some Extrinsic motivation could be a pacifier at this point. How you approach this problem is critical - never kill motivation and creativity.Sometimes , making a student feel special is all that is needed. To close , there can also often be a mystery ‘motivator’. This is something which one cannot always explain - Pride,Intent Consciousness The bond between a Teacher and Student -through respect or a feeling of appreciation for the encouragement given throughout the course - can carry both Teacher and Student through to the end. I imagine there can be no greater reward for a Teacher, than to see the sparkle of learning , sense of achievement in their eyes and a smile on the face of their students once they have finished the programme.