STRATEGIES FOR HELPING PUPILS MOTIVATE THEMSELVES

Contributed by Jessy Rae D. Licaroz – Teacher III, Sta. Rosa Elementary School, Pilar

A high quality relationship between the pupils and a teacher whom they respect is a key element in helping them develop intrinsic motivation. Here are four simple suggestions adapted from Robert Marzano’s ideas:

Take a genuine interest in your pupils. Learn their interests, hopes, and dreams. Ask them about what is happening in their lives. In other words, lead with your ears and not with your mouth. Don’t, however, just make it a one- way street, share some of your own stories, too.
Act friendly in other ways. Smile, joke, and sometimes make a light, supportive touch on a pupil’s shoulder.
Be flexible and keep your eyes on the learning goal prize.
Don’t give up on students. Be positive as much as humanly possible and encourage a growth mind set.

Allowing pupils to connect how the lessons are relevant to their own lives is a key aspect of the learning process. In the school setting, a huge challenge is so often that the pupils choose not to see the relevance that a topic they must learn has in their lives.

To do something, you need to have motivation, especially when we talk about children. They have to feel freedom in making decisions, and we as teachers need to encourage and motivate them.

The part about relatedness I liked the most, as I believe every teacher must pay particular attention to all students. I must agree with the importance of “acting friendly in other ways”. Pupils can become complacent with hearing the standard “good job”, but whenever I give a smile out of the blue or use a little appreciation motivates them.

As for the soft touch on the shoulder as an effective strategy in the class, one simple touch can let the most unfocused pupil know you care about them and their learning. Pupils also appreciate a handshake as they enter the classroom. All children need adults who can see underneath their surface behaviours and reflect back to them their strengths and gifts.

Teachers are indeed the most positive influence in a child’s life and this really reminds me to stay true to that role. We are so fortunate to play a big part in touching their lives!

References:

Retrieve from

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/strategies-helping-students-motivate-themselves-larry-ferlazzo
Strategies for Helping Students Motivate Themselves (2015) Larry Ferlazzo retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/strategies-helping-students-motivate-themselves-larry-ferlazzo