How to motivate students who don't apply themselves
How do you go about motivating a student who doesn't really want to be there? They often show up late, or not at all, don't do large portions of projects and homework, and don't pay attention during lectures. How do you help someone succeed when they've setup personal road blocks?
MICHAEL,
This personal interest is so important when dealing with such students. As you say for some it works and others it doesn't. I am always sad when one of mine fails but I do take assurance in knowing I have done my very professional best in trying to help that students be successful but he or she chose not to be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find talking to a non-motivated student outside of the classroom setting such as at a school function or break time gets them to open up. Most times they can't explain what going on in their head. One student said he would get kicked out of the house if he failed. He's borderline passing yet does not improve. He has the ability which we've discussed but it's like talking to a wall.
Sue,
I to support your effort to encourage and support all of your students especially those that may be a little harder to bring around. Your documentation of your efforts is a key element that all instructors should do so when and if a question of support comes up you are able to show when and what you did to help them achieve success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree that positive reinforcement is the best way to go. Even if the student is not as receptive as I would like, I still think they usually "come around" when encouraged. If not, then I just document attempts to help them, and be sure they know my door is always open,
Everett,
Like your stand on students earning grades as a result of their effort and self discipline. In today's culture of entitlement many of my students think that just because they have paid tuition they deserve to get a A. It comes as a shock to them that they have to earn a grade rather than have it gifted to them. I try to work with all students and get them excited about the course but if they chose not to participate and be successful it does fall on them in terms of results. This is one of the facts of life.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have encountered this as well, and have been in the field only a few years. It is absolutely imperative that we model the professional behaviour in our students that their employers and our professional peers will expect in the workforce.
And, as far as the uninvolved student, the grade they work for is the grade they deserve. It might be a greater service to that student to face the reality that study or involvement, or caring about the course is necessary to succeed.
Perhaps a failing grade in your class will promote a passing grade in future classes.
E. Young
Tiffany,
This is becoming a more common situation among our colleges throughout the country. Students have an entitlement mentality that says if they pay tuition they have purchased and A in the course. We cannot allow this to happen as we will not be turning out competent individuals and it won't be long before employers will not longer employ our graduates. The students themselves need to understand that we have standards for a reason and that reason is to help them become knowledgeable and skilled in their career field. To do anything less is to cheat them even if they think they have bought an A in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Unfortunately, I have found in my short time of teaching that some students feel they are owed something (passing grades). In reality, if we passed all the students because they felt entitled, then we would be doing them a disservice.
David,
Sad to say you don't. Their failure is on them. Provide them the supports you give other students and try to develop a personal relationship with that student to see if you can discover why they are acting the way they are. If you can't get them motivated to do the required work then concentrate on your engaged students and give the non-trying student the grade he or she has earned and move forward.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You can motivate student by a lot of encouragement. Give them more attention, praise them when they do good. Students want to please their teachers.
