Articles for Teachers
Students can be encouraged to do well in the classroom when their teacher creates an environment that motivates them to succeed. Students learn best when their teacher is highly motivated and has a positive attitude. Teachers can encourage students to do well by setting reasonable expectations and involving their students in the learning process, and inspire students to be active participants in their learning. Exhibit enthusiasm and students will be encouraged to do well in the classroom.
Be enthusiastic yourself, because motivation and enthusiasm are contagious. When a teacher is motivated and excited about the learning materials, students will be more interested. Exhibit self-confidence, and express your confidence in your students' abilities to succeed. Teachers who are confident and motivated inspire students to achieve.
Provide positive and supportive feedback to all students. Demonstrate that you care about their success and students will be more motivated to succeed. Respond positively to questions from students, and help them develop the skills necessary to solve problems on their own. Their motivation and self-confidence will increase as their skills increase. Create a positive environment where learning is enjoyable.
Assign tasks and homework that are at a level to challenge students but are not so difficult that they become discouraged. Assignments that are too easy will also have a negative impact on student motivation. If the work is too difficult, some students may give up. If it is too easy, they may become bored. Use a variety of materials including visual aids to keep students actively engaged in the learning process.
Set reasonable expectations for students in your classroom. Expectations for student performance should be high but realistic. Students will be motivated to succeed if they believe that they can achieve the goals you have set for them. Students are motivated to perform when their teacher demonstrates that she expects her students to succeed. Focus on learning while placing less emphasis on grades.
Use a variety of teaching methods that involve the students in learning. Role playing, games, discussions, group activities and guest speakers instead of lectures keep students interested and motivated to learn. Encourage student input in how the material is presented. Students who feel like their opinions matter will be more actively engaged and encouraged to succeed.