Motivational+Ideas

**Motivational Ideas**   >> Curiosity is perhaps the greatest of all motivators. Here is the difference between American and Japanese styles of teaching: In Japanese schools, students are immediately introduced to a problem or challenge. They grapple with it. Curiosity is naturally engendered. By contrast, in American schools the main idea(s) are presented, the solution is taught, and then students practice. Where is the curiosity engendered using this approach? >> Encourage students to ask themselves questions. The questioning process starts the thinking process. When students begin to ask themselves "Why?" and "How?" questions, both alertness and interest increase. There are only three things we are more likely to answer than a question--the telephone, the doorbell, and e-mail. >> Students are constantly asking themselves, "What's in it for me?" Since they're tuned to that radio station, WII-FM, spend a little time at the beginning to talk about what the lesson has in it for them--long and/or short range. Consider asking why the lesson would be worthwhile, how students may benefit from it, and how they can make use of it.  Start by asking these questions of yourself. Stuck? Put it on the table for students to grapple with. You will be amazed at (1) how resourceful they will be and (2) how it helps them buy into the lesson.  >> Theory is important, but interest will increase the more you tie it into practice by showing how the learning makes life easier and better. Share how the content will help students make better decisions, solve more problems, get along better with others, and make them more effective.  Have a poster and re-emphasize the following wisdom: "Wise people think long-term, not just for today."  > Remember the fundamental principle of motivation: consciously or nonconsciously people motivate themselves.  > Each individual is responsible for learning, but it is the teacher's responsibility to create the best possible climate in which that learning can take place. An effective way to do this is to give students an opportunity at the beginning of the class to indicate:   > Acknowledgment/recognition/validation simply affirm. "I see you did your homework" fosters reflection and feelings of self-competence.  > Also, consider repeating a comment you have heard or that someone has told you. "Evelyn made an interesting comment, one that applies to what we've been exploring. I think it bears repeating."   >> One of the most effective techniques is to let the student know that you believe s/he can accomplish the task. A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than a whole lot of praise after a success.  Emphasize that learning is a process and that no one can learn something and be perfect at the same time. Doing something one way and not being successful is another thing learned; don't consider it failure.  >> Competition improves performance, not learning. Yes, some students will practice for hours spurred on by the competitive spirit--be it in music, athletics, or performing arts. But these students are motivated to compete.  And competition can be fun for short periods, but competing with others is devastating for the youngster who never finds himself/herself in the winner's circle. Rather than compete, the student drops out by giving up. <span style="color: #c44040; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 200%;"> Every time a teacher asks a question of a group, students are competing for the teacher's attention--and usually only one student wins. A better approach is to establish learning buddies. Even a very shy student will share with one other person. So, instead of asking a question, pose the question. Asking implies a correct answer, whereas posing invites thinking. Have students discuss the answer with each other. Using this approach, every student participates. <span style="color: #c44040; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 200%;"> >> You shouldn't expect others to get excited about what you are teaching if you are not excited about it yourself. Show your enthusiasm for the lesson. When lecturing, use just a little more enthusiasm than when you are conversing, facilitating, or reviewing. >> Connecting with your students on a one-on-one basis is extremely valuable, but helping them connect with one another on a one-on-one basis can be even more valuable. <span style="color: #c44040; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 200%;"> Give students an opportunity to socialize for short periods before learning activities start. Establishing relationships are extremely important to young people. <span style="color: #c44040; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 200%;"> >> Regardless of age, everyone likes to feel control over one's own life. When we can make choices, we feel we have that control. Offer a choice of activities--and that includes home assignments. <span style="color: #c44040; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 200%;"> By providing two, three, or even four activities and letting students choose among them, you give them an opportunity to select something that engenders motivation. <span style="color: #c44040; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 200%;"> > A myriad of visual techniques can be employed including charts; cartoons; selected parts of films, videocassettes, and/or digital versatile discs (dvd's); power point creations (on many new computers); and overhead transparencies. Dressing the part of a character (teacher and/or student) qualifies. <span style="color: #c44040; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 200%;"> > A myriad of audio techniques can be used such as playing music, recording music, rapping, creating verse--or anything that has rhythm. Remember how you learned your ABC's? "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" is the tune for "the alphabet song." > A myriad of kinesthetic techniques can be used. Examples are drawing the spelling of a word in the air, standing in a small group rocking together to feel seasick on the boat crossing the Atlantic Ocean as immigrants, and just giving a high five to get attention (two eyes on teacher, two ears listening, one mouth closed). > Other approaches include large group discussions, case studies, and relating personal experiences to a learning buddy on the topic. > Another technique is to use handouts for students to complete during the presentation. This activity keeps them involved and also gives them something they can refer to later. This simple technique also allows you to cover more material in less time. <span style="color: #c44040; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 200%;">
 * 1) **Create curiosity**
 * 1) **Teach students to ask themselves questions**
 * 1) **Create desire**
 * 1) **Structure experiences to apply to life outside of school**
 * 1) **Develop a sense of personal responsibility**
 * What expectations they have,
 * What outcomes they expect, and
 * What they are willing to do to achieve those results.
 * 1) **Use acknowledgment and recognition**
 * What has been accomplished by employing this simple technique?
 * You gave recognition.
 * You not only encouraged Evelyn but you encouraged others
 * to become more involved.
 * You demonstrated that you are open to feedback and
 * students' comments can contribute to their own learning.
 * 1) **Encourage**
 * 1) **Use collaboration**
 * 1) **Get yourself excited**
 * 1) **Intensify interpersonal relationships**
 * 1) **Offer choices**
 * 1) **Use variety**