How do you motivate students to achieve their best inside and outside the classroom?
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“Curiosity is,” said writer Samuel L. Johnson, “in great and generous minds, the first passion and the last.” This quote is a great reminder that if we can get students curious and motivated to learn, we can set them up for a lifelong love of learning. And as a teacher, you have the power to help them find that passion for learning while they are young. In this article, we’ll go over the difference between two types of motivation—intrinsic and extrinsic—and why you should prioritize the former in your classroom. Then, we’ll provide you with a few tips and strategies for improving your students’ intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: What’s the Difference?Before we explore how to motivate your students to learn, let’s go over the difference between two types: intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.Intrinsic motivation occurs when students are engaged because of internal rewards, like a love of learning or interest in a subject.[3] These students learn to value learning for its own merits, regardless of any external factors. An example of intrinsic motivation is a student learning new vocabulary words because they love to read. Extrinsic motivation, however, is learning because of external factors. Students may be motivated to learn to pass a test, to gain a reward, or to avoid a punishment. An example of extrinsic motivation is a student who is studying so their parents will not ground them for poor grades. Generally, children lose engagement after being externally rewarded.[7] This suggests that extrinsic motivation is short-term and can lead students away from an inherent love of learning. As a teacher, you can prevent this by prioritizing intrinsically motivated learning in the classroom. How to Motivate Students: Encourage Intrinsic MotivationThe value of choosing intrinsic motivation over its extrinsic counterpart is clear, but it’s not always easy to know where to start. When it comes to the classroom, there are a few strategies that you can use to make sure your students are interested in your class material and ready to learn.Elementary-aged children are highly motivated when their teachers prioritize content mastery and understanding over high test scores.[2] Although tests can be a great way to measure student progress, try to focus on helping them understand the concepts they find difficult. As they spend more time learning, they will be better able to turn their weaknesses into strengths and gain an appreciation for learning that’s deeper than test scores. Students are also more likely to be motivated if class material is relevant to their lives and involves their interests.[10] The best way to make your curriculum relevant to your students is to get to know them. Spend time understanding their needs and what makes them light up in a classroom setting. And allow some flexibility in your assignments so students can spend some time focusing on what they personally find interesting. Research also suggests that online learning can encourage intrinsic motivation.[1] In part, this is because online learning often involves some level of independence—and independent learning is also linked to motivated students.[12] Consider either making some of your curriculum online or including some independent learning activities, like reading or personal project time. And finally, gamification can have an engaging place in the classroom if intrinsic motivation is prioritized.[4] In a nutshell, gamification is the use of activities and rewards to teach different learning concepts. When an activity or reward is focused around intrinsic motivation—like giving a child a calculator as a prize for winning a math contest—student engagement improves. 7 Ways to Boost Intrinsic Motivation in the ClassroomFinding ways to motivate students—especially those who are currently unmotivated—can feel tough. But by knowing the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, you can make sure you’re taking the right steps to engage your students. Here’s a quick list of 7 motivational activities and strategies you can use to improve your students’ intrinsic motivation to learn.
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More education articlesWhat is the best way to motivate students in the classroom?Top 5 Strategies for Motivating Students. Promote growth mindset over fixed mindset. ... . Develop meaningful and respectful relationships with your students. ... . Grow a community of learners in your classroom. ... . Establish high expectations and establish clear goals. ... . Be inspirational.. How teachers can motivate their students in the classroom?Encourage Students
Students look to teachers for approval and positive reinforcement, and are more likely to be enthusiastic about learning if they feel their work is recognized and valued. You should encourage open communication and free thinking with your students to make them feel important. Be enthusiastic.
How does a teacher motivate students to achieve the goal of life?Offer Rewards And Celebrate Achievements
Rewards give students a sense of accomplishment and encourage them to work with a goal in mind. Therefore, offering them small rewards like a class treat or a special privilege to the outperforming students makes every student try their level best.
What is motivation inside the classroom?Intrinsic motivation occurs when students are engaged because of internal rewards, like a love of learning or interest in a subject. [3] These students learn to value learning for its own merits, regardless of any external factors.
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