"If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn." Ignacio Estrada
Monday, April 4, 2011
Motivation Strategies
Looking back on your education, what strategies or techniques did teachers use to motivate student learning? Explain. Would those techniques be effective in classrooms today?
When teachers were genuinely interested in the topic they were teaching was a huge motivational factor for me. If a teacher comes to class dreading the lesson(s) they will be teaching, that is conveyed to the students. I don't know too many students who would be excited about learning if their own teacher couldn't be excited about what they were going to be teaching. I had a teacher who, on most days, didn't seem to want to be there. I dreaded this class every day because of the energy he put off towards that particular subject area. On the same note, I had a couple of teachers who were excited to be there and excited to teach. This definitely made me more interested in that topic and class in general because the teacher simply showed interest.
This is something that is still true today. I have seen teachers being unmotivated and completely not interested in a topic and it showed in the students. On the other hand, I have seen students being completely enthused about the lesson and the students often pick up and act on that same energy. There are many other ways in which a teacher can motivate their students, but simply being interested and excited about teaching is the first step.
When I was in elementary school, I always looked at teachers and thought about how fun their job must be because they were always happy and excited to be there. I think that is a very important motivation to encourage student learning. When teachers are excited and happy to teach, children will most likely be engaged and want to learn as well. I feel like as I grew, teachers became more and more boring. Which is why I always stuck to wanting to teach elementary grade levels. When I got to middle and high school, some, not by any means all, looked like they dreaded coming to work. I was always told to do what makes me happy, and I felt like some of those teachers were not following that motto, and it made the class a drag and very disappointing because you could have learned a lot.
I definitely think this applies today as well. Being in PLS everyday, I see teachers happy and enjoying being around students and the students having fun learning from that teacher. When I go back to UNI and my lecture halls, the students are all bored and the teacher is losing half of us. Even college students need to be excited about learning.
One technique that use to motivate me was the fact the the teacher showed interest and got us, as students, involved. I felt that I understood and enjoyed a lesson a lot more if I was involved and was having fun as I was learning it. I feel as if a lot of teachers don't want to take the time to make some collaboration lesson so that the students can join in. Another technique that I thought use to motivate me was the teachers that use to actually try to make sure every student understood what was being explained. I had one teacher that showed so much passion into her job and I could say I really think all she wanted was for us to learn. Seeing someone like that motivated me not only as a student, but to be someone like her now that I am older.
I think that both of these techniques would apply to today. You can tell how excited students get to be able to participate in activities for a lesson plan. I also feel that they learn better because they are learner hands on. I think that being a passionate person in the field that you are in, should be a must, but honestly I see a lot of teachers out there who just act like its a simple 8-5 job and just do what they have to do to get by. It is disappointing to see those teachers out there because even if you think that students can't see that you don't care, they can. I feel as if teachers need to be a postivie role model and should be trying to motivate students.
To Kristina, I completely agree. I think any time I was more involved in the learning process, the more I was interested in the lesson. If teachers can value students input, it shows that they care enough, not only about their topic, but also their students opinions. When I was allowed to say what I had learned or what I thought about a particular subject, I was definitely more motivated to learn. I wanted to be able to show my teacher(s) that I had taken the time to study the material and show them what I had learned about it.
I think this is something that definitely still applies in classrooms today. Students are all levels and in all subjects are given a chance to who their knowledge on a particular topic. When teachers praise their students for this, it motivates the student. Not only does it motivate that particular student, but it helps get the rest of the class to want to be more involved.
The most influential strategy I saw used while in school was when a teacher came to class and was excited to teach the material. When a teacher is excited and full or energy, it makes the students excited to learn, too. Another strategy used is incorporating the students’ interests into the lessons. If their interests are being used, they will be motivated to learn the material. On the other hand, I have also had teachers who seemed like they hated their job and that teaching was the last thing they wanted to do. If we students felt like they did not want to teach us, then why would we want to listen to them?
I definitely think these strategies are still used today. Having worked in the Burlington school district back home, I have seen many teachers who come to school everyday full of energy ready to teach! These teachers provide a much better learning environment for their student because they care and they want their students to learn.
I think the way teachers design the lesson or unit and the way they present the lesson can, in turn, motivate the students to learn. If the lesson and/or unit is designed in a way that is going to use student-based learning, I think students will be more motivated than if the lesson is a designed as teacher-based. Designing lessons so they can be applied to the real world and are relevant to the students’ interests is another example of how to promote motivation. In my middle school, we created corporations within groups; we were asked to develop a product and an advertising campaign. The task was highly student-based and the teachers only provided guidance when needed. My team was extremely motivated and excited to get to work on our corporation. The task became competitive as well, which raised our motivation levels. We sold snacks and breakfast food before school for students and teachers. Our team, in the end, came out on top with our profits and we got to keep all of our earnings! Another factor that influences motivation is how the teacher presents the task to the students. If they show excitement and enthusiasm towards the lesson, then students, in turn, may model that behavior. If the teacher appears carefree and not 100% into the lesson, how can he/she expect students to put forth 100% towards the lesson as well? Teachers should incorporate their duty as role models in all aspects of teaching by modeling not only actions and tasks for the students, but also behaviors and attitudes towards learning. I believe these techniques would definitely be applicable for students today. The only aspects that may change are student interests, which may alter how the lesson is designed.
This week in my class I witnessed an alternate form of motivation taking place. The teacher offered incentive to the students based off their interests. The students in the class love anything having to do with Harry Potter and they also like Silly Bands. The teacher presented them a “real-life” situation she faced while shopping. She found packs of Harry Potter Silly Bands and told the students they came in packs of 20. She took the situation and turned it into division problems. In order for the students to receive the Silly Bands, they had to work together to solve the problems she presented to them. This extrinsic form of motivation can be seen as controversial for some. Many may question how providing incentives for learning and/or behavior might influence learning and behavior when the incentives are removed. This is often the problem in Reading Incentive Programs; students read to get their rewards, but when the program is over, the independent reading stops as well. In the case of the Silly Bands, I felt this form of incentives was not harmful to student learning. If the students were getting rewards everyday for their work, then that may be a different case, but because the incentives were random and spontaneous, I felt they worked well for the situation.
Teachers using enthusiasm in the classroom I believe is the best strategy to motivate student learning. When teachers are excited to teach they involve the students more in the classroom and value their input. When teachers are excited to be in the classroom with their students they display that emotion through their facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. I have experienced teachers who have had all of those traits and there was one in particular that I will remember forever. Every time she came into the classroom she was always smiling and had a great attitude towards teaching. I remember sitting in the classroom and listening to her voice change to excitement when she would introduce a new lesson or when she would see me in the morning. Her enthusiasm motivated me to do better in school. Her excitement towards teaching made me excited and motivated to learn. Teachers like that will impact a student forever.
I think using enthusiasm in the classroom will never stop motivating students. The way teachers show enthusiasm will change over time so that is why teachers need to be updated with their surrounding and technology. When students see that the teacher is excited to teach and excited to be there, that emotion will rub off onto the students. Without motivation in the classroom students will not learn and participate to the best of their ability. Students look up to the teachers so it is our job to model correct behavior. When we are excited about a particular lesson it will motivate and encourage the students to participate. I understand that not everyone will have energy all day every day, but we have to hide our feelings so our students see our positive behavior.
To Jen, I have also experienced teachers who seemed like they did not want to be in the classroom. They treated the class badly and were concerned more about themselves than their students. The classroom atmosphere was negative and did not motivate others. Teachers like that will lose respect from their students and will more than likely have more behavior problems in the classroom. When teachers are excited and have energy to teach, the classroom environment is much more positive and inviting to others.
To Kristina- I completely agree that one of the best techniques a teacher can do is be so passionate about her job that all she wants for her students is for them to learn! To add on to that, the teacher makes learning fun as well. I have had plenty of teachers like this and they are the ones who motivate me to take on many of their characteristics they possess and also some of my own to be the wonderful teacher I hope to someday be!
To Brienna- I agree on the enthusiasm. I also have a teacher that I will never forget because of her attitude in the classroom. She is actually my first grade teacher and she has had one of the biggest impacts on my life as a student. I feel as if, not only me, but many students have that one teacher that helps them become who they are. Especially being from Chicago I see so many kids that hate school because most of the teachers look like they hate it. Coming from that background, what kept me going was teachers who put their enthusiasm everything they did. I find that to be similar to what I said with passion too. You can always be that one teacher who changes a students life.
Personally, I can’t think of many specific strategies teachers used to motivate me in student learning, though I’m sure there were many used. Some that I can think of in general are to have some kind of reward like a piece of candy or object like a pencil for example, if a designated number of books or minutes are filled up for a reading log. Things such as more computer time, recess time, fewer homework problems, a favorite class activity or game can be given to encourage students to focus if they work hard to earn the reward option. However, teachers must be careful when using less homework as a reward since it implies homework should be looked at as a negative thing. Other techniques to motivate student learning is allowing the class to express their preferred choice of an assignment or to pick the kind of activity done in class. Some teachers have a jar that represents good behavior and once the jar is filled with whatever objects that go inside (i.e. beads), some reward is then given from a “prize box.” I have seen students been given star stickers, pizza parties, movie days, or treats for good behavior. Extra credit is always used as a motivation technique. Simple teacher praise or words of encouragement can be all a student needs to gain motivation, though a teacher should hope to help instill more intrinsic motivation, rather than feed extrinsic motivation in his or her students.
Things that I feel will always be a motivation for students in the classroom are praise and recognition from teachers, extra credit to improve student grades, attention from peers, and receiving some kind of tangible reward or removable of an undesired task. I feel as though many of the techniques and methods used by teachers fall under one of these mentioned factors. Overall yes, I feel most will be effective in classrooms today, some more than others. However, everything has room for improvement and I feel we should continue to assess ourselves as teachers and always be on the lookout for new ways to improve our students and work on ways to increase motivation to learn rather than just to impress others or earn rewards. Realizing the enjoyment of learning something new and accomplishing challenging tasks should be the main fuel in a student’s fire to work hard and learn.
To Kaitlin, You had a lot of good points in your post that I agree with! When I wrote my answer to the question I focused more of the physical rewards given to students in an attempt to increase motivation rather than the difference a teacher having passion has. Sometimes even when teachers don't like what they're teaching, having a love and passion for their students is enough for them to encourage their students. I'm sure there are many times teachers act to appear that they like the subject they’re teaching, when in reality they hate it. I agree completely that you can tell when teachers don't enjoy what they are teaching and everyone can feel the drag it brings in the classroom. It definitely produces a more negative atmosphere which isn't conducive to learning. Like you stated, on the flip side, a passionate teacher who loves what they are teaching can encourage students to learn and often makes me want to find out why they love the material they're teaching so much. Often times, teachers attitudes can set the tone for the classroom learning more than they are aware. Due to this impactful truth and despite the fact some days will be extremely difficult, I hope to always come to school with the most positive attitude I possibly can when I have a classroom of my own.
I think it's amazing that most of us agreed that the teacher's enthusiasm motivates the students' learning. I loved the example you shared with us about your teacher. Those are the teachers that students will always remember because they made the subject fun and they actually learned something. I definitely have a teacher I will always remember because of their enthusiasm. As long as we see these things as being important and doing it in our future careers, we will do great and hopefully someday change a little one's life as well!
Looking back on my education, I believe that my greatest experiences in the classroom were those that were taught by paionate and motivated teachers who were passionate about the subject they were teaching. There is one teacher that sticks out over the rest. She had a very positive attitude and also loved taking in new information and applying it into her own classroom. As a kindergarten teacher she was able to teach life long lessons that I still take with me through my life today. When passion is shown in the classroom lesson, it is reflected through the students understanding and output of the lesson. Looking back I would like to apply these techniques and strategies into my own classroom and hope/know that many teachers still today are applying these to their own homeroom. Molly Peyton
Throughout my education, I was most motivated when my teachers created engaging, hands-on lessons. I found the topics much more interesting and applicable if I was involved in my learning. If the lessons were not engaging, I found myself bored and unmotivated. I also was motivated when the activities were challenging for me to complete. If they were too easy, I became easily side-tracked and uninterested. On the other hand, if the tasks were too challenging, I became frustrated.
I think both of these strategies for motivating students are still effective in classrooms today. Although it takes a lot of time and effort, it is extremely important to differentiate lessons to keep students at all skill levels motivated. Additionally, creating engaging lessons that keep students involved in their learning is still important. I think both of these strategies will remain effective strategies in the future as well.
I noticed that many people mentioned that the teacher's enthusiasm was a major motivator. I completely agree. My favorite teachers were always the ones who were passionate and energetic about the subject matter. Their attitudes toward learning were contagious for students. I think teachers who are excited to teach will have students who are excited to learn. This strategy does not take a lot of extra time and planning, but bringing enthusiasm into the classroom is crucial for motivating students.
When I thought about this topic, the first thing that came to mind was a teacher I have had here at UNI.They were one of my favorite teachers because their enthusiasm and excitement towards teaching, as well as their style of teaching that gave myself and I'm sure the class as well intrinsic motivation for our work. She taught, evaluated, and assisted in a way that made me become proud and dedicated to the success of my work that kept me working to improvement on all aspects of my education. Their motivation and my own helped me to gain a lot of useful information that I will be using in my near future. I do think this would and still does work in schools today because I have seen it already in the class. The students are always showing me their work, and this shows me the pride they take in their work. Throughout the class are posters and student work which I think helps motivate everyone to strive for their best.
To Lauren's comment; I completely agree with you on creating lessons that are student centered and also created so they can be applied in their life. I think that this kind of teaching and learning is taking place all the time in our classroom. The teacher always spends time teaching the beginning of the lesson and introducing the content and information to create solutions but then allows for plenty of student self or group work. This is great for the students to work using their own skills, instead of regurgitating the problems and answers from a lecture. Many of the lessons are also in a context that can or are applied in a real life situation, which helps make connections for each student to the task at hand and possibly a personal experience or other piece of information that could assist them in the problem.
Bethany- I agree with you! I think that many of us believe that a teacher's enthusiasm is a great way to motivate a classroom. Being passionate and energetic will "rub off" onto the children when learning the curriculum in a classroom that has positive energy. "Teachers who are excited to teacher, will have students who are excited to learn." This statement is so true, I think each of us need to take this into consideration when planning/teaching a lesson.
When teachers were genuinely interested in the topic they were teaching was a huge motivational factor for me. If a teacher comes to class dreading the lesson(s) they will be teaching, that is conveyed to the students. I don't know too many students who would be excited about learning if their own teacher couldn't be excited about what they were going to be teaching. I had a teacher who, on most days, didn't seem to want to be there. I dreaded this class every day because of the energy he put off towards that particular subject area. On the same note, I had a couple of teachers who were excited to be there and excited to teach. This definitely made me more interested in that topic and class in general because the teacher simply showed interest.
ReplyDeleteThis is something that is still true today. I have seen teachers being unmotivated and completely not interested in a topic and it showed in the students. On the other hand, I have seen students being completely enthused about the lesson and the students often pick up and act on that same energy. There are many other ways in which a teacher can motivate their students, but simply being interested and excited about teaching is the first step.
Kaitlin Kivell
When I was in elementary school, I always looked at teachers and thought about how fun their job must be because they were always happy and excited to be there. I think that is a very important motivation to encourage student learning. When teachers are excited and happy to teach, children will most likely be engaged and want to learn as well. I feel like as I grew, teachers became more and more boring. Which is why I always stuck to wanting to teach elementary grade levels. When I got to middle and high school, some, not by any means all, looked like they dreaded coming to work. I was always told to do what makes me happy, and I felt like some of those teachers were not following that motto, and it made the class a drag and very disappointing because you could have learned a lot.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think this applies today as well. Being in PLS everyday, I see teachers happy and enjoying being around students and the students having fun learning from that teacher. When I go back to UNI and my lecture halls, the students are all bored and the teacher is losing half of us. Even college students need to be excited about learning.
One technique that use to motivate me was the fact the the teacher showed interest and got us, as students, involved. I felt that I understood and enjoyed a lesson a lot more if I was involved and was having fun as I was learning it. I feel as if a lot of teachers don't want to take the time to make some collaboration lesson so that the students can join in. Another technique that I thought use to motivate me was the teachers that use to actually try to make sure every student understood what was being explained. I had one teacher that showed so much passion into her job and I could say I really think all she wanted was for us to learn. Seeing someone like that motivated me not only as a student, but to be someone like her now that I am older.
ReplyDeleteI think that both of these techniques would apply to today. You can tell how excited students get to be able to participate in activities for a lesson plan. I also feel that they learn better because they are learner hands on. I think that being a passionate person in the field that you are in, should be a must, but honestly I see a lot of teachers out there who just act like its a simple 8-5 job and just do what they have to do to get by. It is disappointing to see those teachers out there because even if you think that students can't see that you don't care, they can. I feel as if teachers need to be a postivie role model and should be trying to motivate students.
Kristina Srog
To Kristina, I completely agree. I think any time I was more involved in the learning process, the more I was interested in the lesson. If teachers can value students input, it shows that they care enough, not only about their topic, but also their students opinions. When I was allowed to say what I had learned or what I thought about a particular subject, I was definitely more motivated to learn. I wanted to be able to show my teacher(s) that I had taken the time to study the material and show them what I had learned about it.
ReplyDeleteI think this is something that definitely still applies in classrooms today. Students are all levels and in all subjects are given a chance to who their knowledge on a particular topic. When teachers praise their students for this, it motivates the student. Not only does it motivate that particular student, but it helps get the rest of the class to want to be more involved.
Kaitlin Kivell
The most influential strategy I saw used while in school was when a teacher came to class and was excited to teach the material. When a teacher is excited and full or energy, it makes the students excited to learn, too. Another strategy used is incorporating the students’ interests into the lessons. If their interests are being used, they will be motivated to learn the material. On the other hand, I have also had teachers who seemed like they hated their job and that teaching was the last thing they wanted to do. If we students felt like they did not want to teach us, then why would we want to listen to them?
ReplyDeleteI definitely think these strategies are still used today. Having worked in the Burlington school district back home, I have seen many teachers who come to school everyday full of energy ready to teach! These teachers provide a much better learning environment for their student because they care and they want their students to learn.
Jennifer Rich
I think the way teachers design the lesson or unit and the way they present the lesson can, in turn, motivate the students to learn. If the lesson and/or unit is designed in a way that is going to use student-based learning, I think students will be more motivated than if the lesson is a designed as teacher-based. Designing lessons so they can be applied to the real world and are relevant to the students’ interests is another example of how to promote motivation. In my middle school, we created corporations within groups; we were asked to develop a product and an advertising campaign. The task was highly student-based and the teachers only provided guidance when needed. My team was extremely motivated and excited to get to work on our corporation. The task became competitive as well, which raised our motivation levels. We sold snacks and breakfast food before school for students and teachers. Our team, in the end, came out on top with our profits and we got to keep all of our earnings!
ReplyDeleteAnother factor that influences motivation is how the teacher presents the task to the students. If they show excitement and enthusiasm towards the lesson, then students, in turn, may model that behavior. If the teacher appears carefree and not 100% into the lesson, how can he/she expect students to put forth 100% towards the lesson as well? Teachers should incorporate their duty as role models in all aspects of teaching by modeling not only actions and tasks for the students, but also behaviors and attitudes towards learning.
I believe these techniques would definitely be applicable for students today. The only aspects that may change are student interests, which may alter how the lesson is designed.
This week in my class I witnessed an alternate form of motivation taking place. The teacher offered incentive to the students based off their interests. The students in the class love anything having to do with Harry Potter and they also like Silly Bands. The teacher presented them a “real-life” situation she faced while shopping. She found packs of Harry Potter Silly Bands and told the students they came in packs of 20. She took the situation and turned it into division problems. In order for the students to receive the Silly Bands, they had to work together to solve the problems she presented to them.
ReplyDeleteThis extrinsic form of motivation can be seen as controversial for some. Many may question how providing incentives for learning and/or behavior might influence learning and behavior when the incentives are removed. This is often the problem in Reading Incentive Programs; students read to get their rewards, but when the program is over, the independent reading stops as well.
In the case of the Silly Bands, I felt this form of incentives was not harmful to student learning. If the students were getting rewards everyday for their work, then that may be a different case, but because the incentives were random and spontaneous, I felt they worked well for the situation.
Lauren Hanzelka
Teachers using enthusiasm in the classroom I believe is the best strategy to motivate student learning. When teachers are excited to teach they involve the students more in the classroom and value their input. When teachers are excited to be in the classroom with their students they display that emotion through their facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. I have experienced teachers who have had all of those traits and there was one in particular that I will remember forever. Every time she came into the classroom she was always smiling and had a great attitude towards teaching. I remember sitting in the classroom and listening to her voice change to excitement when she would introduce a new lesson or when she would see me in the morning. Her enthusiasm motivated me to do better in school. Her excitement towards teaching made me excited and motivated to learn. Teachers like that will impact a student forever.
ReplyDeleteI think using enthusiasm in the classroom will never stop motivating students. The way teachers show enthusiasm will change over time so that is why teachers need to be updated with their surrounding and technology. When students see that the teacher is excited to teach and excited to be there, that emotion will rub off onto the students. Without motivation in the classroom students will not learn and participate to the best of their ability. Students look up to the teachers so it is our job to model correct behavior. When we are excited about a particular lesson it will motivate and encourage the students to participate. I understand that not everyone will have energy all day every day, but we have to hide our feelings so our students see our positive behavior.
Brienna Hayes
To Jen, I have also experienced teachers who seemed like they did not want to be in the classroom. They treated the class badly and were concerned more about themselves than their students. The classroom atmosphere was negative and did not motivate others. Teachers like that will lose respect from their students and will more than likely have more behavior problems in the classroom. When teachers are excited and have energy to teach, the classroom environment is much more positive and inviting to others.
ReplyDeleteBrienna Hayes
To Kristina- I completely agree that one of the best techniques a teacher can do is be so passionate about her job that all she wants for her students is for them to learn! To add on to that, the teacher makes learning fun as well. I have had plenty of teachers like this and they are the ones who motivate me to take on many of their characteristics they possess and also some of my own to be the wonderful teacher I hope to someday be!
ReplyDeleteJennifer Rich
To Brienna- I agree on the enthusiasm. I also have a teacher that I will never forget because of her attitude in the classroom. She is actually my first grade teacher and she has had one of the biggest impacts on my life as a student. I feel as if, not only me, but many students have that one teacher that helps them become who they are. Especially being from Chicago I see so many kids that hate school because most of the teachers look like they hate it. Coming from that background, what kept me going was teachers who put their enthusiasm everything they did. I find that to be similar to what I said with passion too. You can always be that one teacher who changes a students life.
ReplyDeleteKristina Srog
Personally, I can’t think of many specific strategies teachers used to motivate me in student learning, though I’m sure there were many used. Some that I can think of in general are to have some kind of reward like a piece of candy or object like a pencil for example, if a designated number of books or minutes are filled up for a reading log. Things such as more computer time, recess time, fewer homework problems, a favorite class activity or game can be given to encourage students to focus if they work hard to earn the reward option. However, teachers must be careful when using less homework as a reward since it implies homework should be looked at as a negative thing. Other techniques to motivate student learning is allowing the class to express their preferred choice of an assignment or to pick the kind of activity done in class. Some teachers have a jar that represents good behavior and once the jar is filled with whatever objects that go inside (i.e. beads), some reward is then given from a “prize box.” I have seen students been given star stickers, pizza parties, movie days, or treats for good behavior. Extra credit is always used as a motivation technique. Simple teacher praise or words of encouragement can be all a student needs to gain motivation, though a teacher should hope to help instill more intrinsic motivation, rather than feed extrinsic motivation in his or her students.
ReplyDeleteThings that I feel will always be a motivation for students in the classroom are praise and recognition from teachers, extra credit to improve student grades, attention from peers, and receiving some kind of tangible reward or removable of an undesired task. I feel as though many of the techniques and methods used by teachers fall under one of these mentioned factors. Overall yes, I feel most will be effective in classrooms today, some more than others. However, everything has room for improvement and I feel we should continue to assess ourselves as teachers and always be on the lookout for new ways to improve our students and work on ways to increase motivation to learn rather than just to impress others or earn rewards. Realizing the enjoyment of learning something new and accomplishing challenging tasks should be the main fuel in a student’s fire to work hard and learn.
Katrina Bauer
To Kaitlin,
ReplyDeleteYou had a lot of good points in your post that I agree with! When I wrote my answer to the question I focused more of the physical rewards given to students in an attempt to increase motivation rather than the difference a teacher having passion has. Sometimes even when teachers don't like what they're teaching, having a love and passion for their students is enough for them to encourage their students. I'm sure there are many times teachers act to appear that they like the subject they’re teaching, when in reality they hate it. I agree completely that you can tell when teachers don't enjoy what they are teaching and everyone can feel the drag it brings in the classroom. It definitely produces a more negative atmosphere which isn't conducive to learning. Like you stated, on the flip side, a passionate teacher who loves what they are teaching can encourage students to learn and often makes me want to find out why they love the material they're teaching so much. Often times, teachers attitudes can set the tone for the classroom learning more than they are aware. Due to this impactful truth and despite the fact some days will be extremely difficult, I hope to always come to school with the most positive attitude I possibly can when I have a classroom of my own.
To Brienna,
ReplyDeleteI think it's amazing that most of us agreed that the teacher's enthusiasm motivates the students' learning. I loved the example you shared with us about your teacher. Those are the teachers that students will always remember because they made the subject fun and they actually learned something. I definitely have a teacher I will always remember because of their enthusiasm. As long as we see these things as being important and doing it in our future careers, we will do great and hopefully someday change a little one's life as well!
Looking back on my education, I believe that my greatest experiences in the classroom were those that were taught by paionate and motivated teachers who were passionate about the subject they were teaching. There is one teacher that sticks out over the rest. She had a very positive attitude and also loved taking in new information and applying it into her own classroom. As a kindergarten teacher she was able to teach life long lessons that I still take with me through my life today. When passion is shown in the classroom lesson, it is reflected through the students understanding and output of the lesson. Looking back I would like to apply these techniques and strategies into my own classroom and hope/know that many teachers still today are applying these to their own homeroom.
ReplyDeleteMolly Peyton
Throughout my education, I was most motivated when my teachers created engaging, hands-on lessons. I found the topics much more interesting and applicable if I was involved in my learning. If the lessons were not engaging, I found myself bored and unmotivated. I also was motivated when the activities were challenging for me to complete. If they were too easy, I became easily side-tracked and uninterested. On the other hand, if the tasks were too challenging, I became frustrated.
ReplyDeleteI think both of these strategies for motivating students are still effective in classrooms today. Although it takes a lot of time and effort, it is extremely important to differentiate lessons to keep students at all skill levels motivated. Additionally, creating engaging lessons that keep students involved in their learning is still important. I think both of these strategies will remain effective strategies in the future as well.
I noticed that many people mentioned that the teacher's enthusiasm was a major motivator. I completely agree. My favorite teachers were always the ones who were passionate and energetic about the subject matter. Their attitudes toward learning were contagious for students. I think teachers who are excited to teach will have students who are excited to learn. This strategy does not take a lot of extra time and planning, but bringing enthusiasm into the classroom is crucial for motivating students.
ReplyDeleteWhen I thought about this topic, the first thing that came to mind was a teacher I have had here at UNI.They were one of my favorite teachers because their enthusiasm and excitement towards teaching, as well as their style of teaching that gave myself and I'm sure the class as well intrinsic motivation for our work. She taught, evaluated, and assisted in a way that made me become proud and dedicated to the success of my work that kept me working to improvement on all aspects of my education. Their motivation and my own helped me to gain a lot of useful information that I will be using in my near future.
ReplyDeleteI do think this would and still does work in schools today because I have seen it already in the class. The students are always showing me their work, and this shows me the pride they take in their work. Throughout the class are posters and student work which I think helps motivate everyone to strive for their best.
To Lauren's comment;
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you on creating lessons that are student centered and also created so they can be applied in their life. I think that this kind of teaching and learning is taking place all the time in our classroom. The teacher always spends time teaching the beginning of the lesson and introducing the content and information to create solutions but then allows for plenty of student self or group work. This is great for the students to work using their own skills, instead of regurgitating the problems and answers from a lecture. Many of the lessons are also in a context that can or are applied in a real life situation, which helps make connections for each student to the task at hand and possibly a personal experience or other piece of information that could assist them in the problem.
Bethany- I agree with you! I think that many of us believe that a teacher's enthusiasm is a great way to motivate a classroom. Being passionate and energetic will "rub off" onto the children when learning the curriculum in a classroom that has positive energy. "Teachers who are excited to teacher, will have students who are excited to learn." This statement is so true, I think each of us need to take this into consideration when planning/teaching a lesson.
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