The path to successful learning is about knowing what motivates students. The often forgotten truth is that learning cannot be forced on students- they must be willing participants.
So, how can you motivate students to like school and learning? The following tips are used by the best international school in Beirut:
Options for Learning
Be creative in permitting new options and learning environments for uninterested children. For example, instead of a routine test, they may be asked to design a comic strip featuring what they learnt. Or they can invent an interesting 3D display on the concept learnt.
Use Rule of Three
While designing learning content,consider the rule of three: preparing, practicing and applying. Because of time constraints, we get only to the preparation stage and the lower cognitive levels required for it.
However, without adequate application and practice, students stay passive in their learning. Meaningful practice helps students make new connections and application provides a rationale for learning.
Make Learning Doable
The teacher must provide clear and quantifiable targets, which students can make efforts to achieve. Learning is not just done to students, it is done ‘with’ them.
Make Learning Success Public
It is common knowledge that children learn to sing, play the piano, draw and paint for fulfilling their need to perform. This is no different as regards other subjects like math or language. Students seek real opportunities to gain recognition. So, we can help them with strategies like inviting parents to a class debate. You can host an after-school contest to cater to a wider audience. Let the child choose from a variety of learning options.
Be a Role Model for Student Interest
You must deliver your presentations with enthusiasm and energy. When you display your motivation, your students will follow suit. Exhibit your personal interest in the course, showing why you are interested in the material.
Develop Personal Interest in Students
You can better customize your instructions to students’ backgrounds and concerns by taking a personal interest in each and every student. This will also inspire their personal loyalty towards you. You must display a strong interest in student’s learning and confidence in their abilities.
Be Free To Use Examples
Many students desire to know how concepts, techniques, and topics are useful and relevant before they study it further. Make students aware of how your course prepares students for seeking future opportunities.
Use Variety of Student Active Programs
Such programs engage students directly in the learning material and provide opportunities to gain a level of mastery.
- Teach by discovery: Students find it equally satisfying to reason through a problem and discover the underlying principle on their own.
- Cooperative learning activities: These are useful and effective since they also offer positive social pressure.
Set Realistic Goals for Performance
Help students to reach such goals by encouraging them to set their own, reasonable goals. Design properly challenging assignments keeping in view the aptitude and experience of the class.
Due Emphasis on Tests and Grades
Tests need to prove what students have learnt and not what they have failed to do. Give all students the opportunity to garner the highest grades and standards.
These are some of the tips for encouraging students to attend school and learn about new concepts while mastering subjects.
