Motivating the Non-motivated
How do you motivate the student with every excuse in book about homework and attendance?
Ive tried to motivate them with my personal story, Ive tried to motivate them with the light at the end of the tunnel story (graduation). What has worked for your most objective student.
Aleatha,
Good. I think when students accept duties or responsibilities, it helps give them some ownership, and they are more committed to following through.
Barry Westling
I have motivated some non-motivated students by giving them certain responsibilities in class.
The begin to feel like they are a part of helping.
Never giving up is probably the key ingredient in trying to motivate a student. It may not always have successful results, but I need to remember it is my responsibility to provide every resource within my reach to no matter how unreceptive the student may be. One problem which I need to be aware of is 'neglecting' a student who is not motivated. It is very easy to work with 'motivated' students. I must remember to give every student my 'all'. They are why I exist.
I agree Barry. Being a good listener helps motivate student ability to learn and understand.
Frank,
So true. It's interesting how such little effort (and kindness) it takes to yield positive results.
Barry Westling
I have found that giving the unmotivated student praise and encouragement for even the slightest accomplishment can sometimes ignite a spark that will create a positive feedback situation. A student that comes from a backround of constant critisim and negativity can warm to an instructor that personally ackowledges them as an intelligent, capable human being.
Karyn,
Great! Sometimes, just listening without offering an opinion or advice can be helpful to students. I use these times to help me refocus my attention to how I can best help that student, given an deeper understanding of the backside of their life.
Barry Westling
I agree with you Barry. I teach at a vocational school where most of the students are trying to improve their lives and the lives of their families. In many cases there is massive chaos going on in their private lives and the time they spend in class is the most orderly and, in some cases, the only calm space of time they experience. I try to maintain a professional relationship with my students but occasionally their problems do affect their work and it's at times like that I'll ask them to come to me after class so we can talk about what's troubling them. Sometimes I can be of help in giving them various strategies to help them manage their time for both family and study. At other times I refer them to Student Services for assistance with their personal problems. Either way the fact that I recognized there was a problem and offered assistance has usually resulted in better attendance, better work and an appreciation for the fact that they weren't just written off as "problem students".
Anne,
I think all students benefit from individual attention, it's just that all students don't need it given in the same way.
Barry Westling
I agree. Some students need that personal one on one to know you care.
Armando,
It's good to appreciate that the back side of some students lives are extremely chaotic with multiple issues on varying levels. I think school often brings a respite from that chaos, and can provide a bright spot in their daily bleak situations. It's usually refreshing for the student to know their instructor is aware of specific circumstances, and that they understand. It's really amazing to see what some students endure to successfully complete their course work.
Barry Westling
I find students who have a hard time being motivated need a more personal approach. Most times I find they are having personal issues on a much deeper level. Family, money, job, low energy, health issues, baby mom or dad issues are stressful and draining. Sometimes even a leave of absence is the best solution.
Christopher ,
I've found that true motivation has to come from within. Unless a student has some inner drive to want to be on time, show up for classes, prepare and complete assignments, there may be little one can do. But I try to never give up. Maybe taking this student to a work setting and you and s/he visit with an employer (with advance notice of the goal to motivate and put a fire under this student) might help. I have done this before with success.
Barry Westling
