10 Steps That Motivate Students to Learn
April 14, 2010
Who enjoys reading a boring book, watching a dull movie or listening to a speaker that rambles from the podium? No one, because the human spirit wants to be entertained, gracefully challenged and left to dream about wondrous things.
Coachmerich defines education as an energy that captures a student’s mind. A style of communication that brings their attention into the room; so both teacher and student can create that all important “connection,” without which, education can not take place.
Teachers create a “connective environment” when they:
1. Conduct class orientations that enables them to:
- Learn about a student’s motivation, how they perceive education and the pro forma changes they would enact to make the educational process more effective.
- Discuss the academic goals and the skills to be acquired.
- Define the relationship between the curriculum and what is to be learned.
- Share how students will be evaluated.
- Explain how “The Circle of Education” inspires learning and team building.
2. Are enthusiastic, curious and show respect for a student’s opinions and aspirations.
3. Form a collaborative union with students.
4. Identify, at the beginning of each class, what is to be learned during that session.
5. Do not allow socio-economic conditions to interfere with the goal.
6. Adapt a Socratic approach.
7. Listen to their students.
8. Encourage students to network – on/off campus.
9. Conduct seminars and use technology, such as email, to inform and involve the parents.
10. Practice 1-9 on a regular basis.
