TEFL Colts Neck New Mexico

Motivating Students (70). Motivation comes from many different sources. When I began my tefl training program, my exposure to teaching was limited to mainly educating professionals on the use of complicated engineering software. I am well versed in multiple forms of design programs and have coauthored a book on the use of software. Motivation for me is intrinsic; if I want something I strive until I achieve it. This course has been a humbling experience for me. I realized how much I do not know about what motivates and, worse yet, how to motivate someone. I thought teaching was simply the action of regurgitating information to a student who retains it and we move to the next subject. I could not understand a person that would not learn or refused to learn. My research brought me into the world and outside of my comfort zone. When a teacher looks at a student and thinks he needs to connect with this human being, it is a daunting task. The teacher needs to consider what is going on in this person's life. Does this student have low self esteem or a problem at home? Could it be a learning disability, health issues or depression? The educator must find a way to connect with the student and draw out information that he or she may not want to divulge. Another aspect of teaching is style and curriculum. A monotone teacher will destroy the motivation of the class as will a curriculum above or below the education level of the students. I believe myself to be an enthusiastic teacher; I know the subject well and have a passion for educating others. I know motivation is contagious. When a student can see a teacher bounce around a class, it fires up the room. I would play a game with my class during the lecture. I would stand up, tap someone on the shoulder, and have them drive my computer at the front of the class. They would be the pseudo teacher for that lesson. Since it was random, every time I moved, students' would look to see if I was going to tap them on the shoulder. Show faith in students' ability, which is a powerful statement in itself. A teacher needs to be a guidance counselor as well as an encouraging hand to gently push them along. Some students enjoy participating in activities while others are shy. Some students need emotional support while others just need a reassuring voice. An excellent tool for reassurance is a couple of simple words: “great job” or “keep up the good work”. Other rewards may be physical items, especially for younger students a sticker, pencil or notepad. With older students a gift card, books, or exemptions. An educator needs open communication to cultivate a relationship with his students'. He needs to be approachable, as a positive role model. The teacher must have an interest in the subject something he can apply to the students' lives. Talk of the future and understand the student's career path and identify what he wants to accomplish. Assist him in developing an environment to achieve his goals. A part of motivation is the decision to use either incentives or the consequences. A phrase I have found rather amusing is “use the carrot or a stick”. In a Catholic school system of my childhood, the stick was a literal term. Thankfully, today our educators are more sophisticated than Sister Mary and her yard stick. We think of intrinsic motivation, which comes from within and is always available. There are external motivations which a teacher can provide and extrinsic motivations, but if not backed with internal motivation is likely to be short term. Incentives are something the students are striving for and we need to ensure they are suitable for the age group we are teaching. The consequences could be, threatening to cut down on recreation time, a detention, a suspension, or even removal to a different school. To me, a positive reinforcement feeds the soul, whereas a negative reinforcement breeds contempt. Every professional require certain tools to accomplish their job. Knowing how to motivate your students is yet another tool in your repertoire. You must know your students, to be able to understand the best way to encourage them to reach their full potential. Do they value the class? Are they developing on a personal level through your lessons? When and how do you respond to your students? A teacher needs to return tests and papers as soon as possible, point out areas where they excelled, and give positive praise and positive criticism. We need to recognize a student's sincere effort and encourage those not working to their full potential. At all times, avoid generalizations or put downs as counterproductive. Have the students actively participate in class by encouraging them to use prior knowledge or brainstorming. Teach students to work cooperatively. When possible, let them choose term papers or projects. Foster trust with your students by allowing your personality to shine.