Qualifications TEFL Language

Motivation in the classroom Motivation can be defined as ?a desire to achieve a goal, combined with the energy to work towards that goal?. Motivation plays an important role in the classroom; students who are motivated are more likely to be engaged with their studies and meet and exceed the course requirements. Whatever level of motivation your students bring to the classroom will be transformed, whether it is for the better or worse, will depend on what happens in the classroom. This paper will first discuss the definition and importance of motivation in the context of teaching and second, discuss techniques to improve motivation within the classroom. Some students are naturally enthusiastic about wanting to learn new things and like the thrill of new challenges. However, many need or expect others to inspire, challenge and to stimulate them. Research has shown that a teacher?s expectations have a powerful effect on a student?s performance. If you act as though you expect your students to be motivated, hardworking, and interested in the course, they are more likely to be so. So, let the students know your expectation when you make assignments, give presentations, conduct discussions, and grade examinations. However, make sure that the standards are achievable to the students? level to attain their best work, so you don?t leave them in frustration when trying to meet those expectations. Moreover, most students respond positively to a well-organised course taught by an enthusiastic instructor who shows a genuine interest in students and what they learn. It is found that both positive and negative comments influence motivation, but research consistently indicates that students are more affected by positive feedback and success. For that reason, encourage students to focus on their continued improvement, and help students evaluate their progress by analyzing their strengths, and even if a student?s performance is weak, let the students know that you believe that he or she can improve and succeed over time. If they feel like they are falling behind, tell them you are there for them and they can ask for extra help or extra homework to keep up. In addition, it is very important to not create an intense competition amongst the students. Competition in the classroom produces anxiety to the students which can interfere with their motivation and learning. Reduce student?s tendencies to compare themselves to one another by getting the students to work cooperatively in groups rather than compete as individuals. Another factor that stops students from learning is by giving struggling students the answer to a question they cannot figure out. Teachers can overcome this by; asking the students for one possible approach to the problem, build on what they know about the problem and praising the students for small, independent steps. In conclusion, students? need a motivator to help them achieve their goal. There are many factors a teacher can do in order to motivate students to learn. The teacher?s attitude in class reflects back onto the students on how motivated they are. Therefore, by providing a supportive environment, your understanding and sensibility, this will influence the way your students behaves and work in class. Encouraging students is a major factor in motivating them, and this can be done by praising them when they do something right. As for the weaker students, help guide them through in answering a question they are confused about. The students will experience a sense of achievement and confidence that will increase their motivation to learn.