An old saying goes, "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." While that is true, I believe we can speed up the process with the following suggestions.
1. Create curiosity
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?
2. Teach students to ask themselves questions
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.
3. Create desire
Students are continually asking themselves, "What's In It For Me?" Since they are tuned to that radio station, WII-FM, spend a little time, in 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. You will be amazed at (1) how resourceful they will be and (2) how it helps them buy into the lesson.
4. Structure experiences to apply to life outside of school
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.
5. Develop a sense of personal responsibility
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:
- What expectations they have;
- What outcomes they expect;
- What they are willing to do to achieve those results.
6. Use acknowledgement and recognition
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 a student told you. "Jack made an interesting comment, one that applies to what we have been exploring. I think it bears repeating."
What has been accomplished by employing this simple technique?
- You gave recognition.
- You not only encouraged Jack 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.
7. Encourage
One of the most effective techniques is to let the student know that you believe she/he can accomplish the task. A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than a whole lot of praise after 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 a failure.
8. Use collaboration, not competition
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. However, these students are motivated to compete.
Moreover, 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.
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 timid 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.
9. Be entuthiastic
You should not 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 more enthusiasm than when you are conversing, facilitating, or reviewing.
10. Intensify interpersonal relationships
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. Give students an opportunity to socialise for short periods before learning activities start. Establishing relationships are extremely important to young people.
11. Offer choices
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. 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.
12. Use a variety of techniques
Visual techniques
A myriad of visual techniques can be employed including charts; cartoons; selected parts of films, video cassettes, and/or DVDs; PowerPoint creations; and overhead transparencies.
Audio techniques
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."
Kinesthetic techniques
A myriad of kinesthetic techniques can also 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.
Conclusion
It is a wonderful experience to have in our classrooms eager, young people who are there because they want to be, not because they are obliged to be. Unfortunately, this is not the case in many classrooms today. However, by focusing on these suggestions, we can create lessons that produce better results for both students and teachers.
Dr Marvin Marshall is an American educator, writer, and lecturer. He is the author of Discipline Without Stress, Punishments or Rewards - How Teachers and Parents Promote Responsibility & Learning and Parenting Without Stress - How to Raise Responsible Kids While Keeping a Life of Your Own. Visit his website for more information.