Motivating students can be really tricky. Especially, post-lockdown, when life has taken a backseat, it can get tricky to get the life of the students back on track.
Motivation is the key to achieving the most insurmountable tasks in life. Yet, if the right direction is attained, it might help the students in staying consistent and disciplined to achieve their goals in life.
But what could be the right method of motivation. Many theorists have suggested methods of autonomy and flexibility, but in the case of students, it is not the case.
With students, there is a high energy quotient and low understanding of the situation/context, thus, it might be best to use ‘the telling’ method of communication, for motivating students.
Taking into account the technicalities, let us explore 5 of the best methods for motivating students to get them on-track and disciplined.
Why can motivating students be the most difficult task?
Education is not only about scoring good grades but finding value for it in our lives. Attaining the discipline, needed orientation, and gaining exposure to the world through books, is what education serves.
But, it is no assurance that the same ideas will resonate with the students as well. At a tender age, there can be numerous distractions and the lack of attaching a value to the work might dissuade students from studies.
Thus, it becomes difficult to motivate students, since the age and the mindset is very feeble and amenable, which makes them easy to lose track.
To motivate students, one thing needs to be set out straight, we need to deal with them in a patient manner. It is important that we make a note of their behavioral changes and their response to them, which might help us to understand the patterns as well.
Best ways to motivate students in achieving greatness
1. Developing the right growth mindset:
It is important to engage students through feedback and often praising the students, which will help them to gauge their performance. A growth mindset generally motivates students to look beyond books for learning.
2. Striking the right chord:
It might be interesting to note that if the teacher and students can communicate freely, there is a right balance between them. Instead of a power battle, educators need to encourage students by giving them the needed confidence and encouragement.
3. Community learning:
This has been the traditional method of teaching as well. Peer to peer learning also encourages students to accept diverse opinions and grow the team dynamics. Having the students learn people skills is of topmost importance as an educator.
4. Communicating the expectations and goals:
As per Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, people always wish to fulfill their basic needs, before moving on to the higher-order needs. Thus, as a teacher, you must clearly state the expectations of your students, to help them achieve their basic needs. Giving them the right feedback and handholding them at early stages can be motivating as well.
5. Talk with them often:
Having conversations and small talks with the children can make them feel comfortable. They can see that you care for them, which might encourage them to put a little more effort into achieving greatness. It adds a boost to the morale of the students when the teachers interact with them at a personal level.
Bottom line:
Motivating the younger minds can be an exciting yet tricky task.
One thing that we must remember is that we must not forget that motivation is not a one-day affair. Instead, it is a consistent fuel to the ignition chamber, which when given in the right amounts can flare the flames to reach the zenith of success.
