How was I motivated.
When I was in second grade I had to perform a Native American dance for a parent school function. If I remember correctly, it was during the Thanksgiving season. We all made our own costumes and hats out of brown construction paper. We then decorated the paper with colorful patterns and feathers. We practiced the dance we were supposed to perform. What motivated me to perform was the idea that my mother would be there to watch me. I was really excited to show my mom what I had learned and make her proud. The other factors were the excitement me and the other classmates had about the performance. It was a fun way to demonstrate some traditional Native American dances.
My fourth grade teacher was Mr. Baggot and I remember him so clearly because we would sometimes learn by songs. He would have his guitar in class and he would teach us certain lessons by songs. I loved this because I was able to remember him singing and this helped me get motivated to do my work. It also helped me remember and learn the lessons. Everyone in the class enjoyed it and we thought it was fun. Now as a teacher I understand what he was trying to do. He was motivating us to learn in a non-traditional way.
My fourth grade teacher was Mr. Baggot and I remember him so clearly because we would sometimes learn by songs. He would have his guitar in class and he would teach us certain lessons by songs. I loved this because I was able to remember him singing and this helped me get motivated to do my work. It also helped me remember and learn the lessons. Everyone in the class enjoyed it and we thought it was fun. Now as a teacher I understand what he was trying to do. He was motivating us to learn in a non-traditional way.
Restoring Faith
When I was a Sophomore in college, I took a philosophy course. The first thing the professor said to us was “Half of you will fail my class, a few will get C’s, very few B’s and one or two A’s. If you think you can’t handle this course, please don’t waste my time or your time”. The professor was very rude and his teaching strategies was something I was not familiar with. Instantly I was scared and I started to doubt on my ability to pass this class. I never had any issues passing any of my courses but the professors words made me wonder on my ability to pass the course.
I remember leaving and talking to my roommate about the situation. She encouraged me to stay. I had always been a decent student so I decided to take the course and prove to myself and the professor that I would be one of the few students to pass his course. In order to prove to myself that I would be one of those passing students I studied a lot for the class. And by the end I was able to pass the course with a B. This made me extremely happy and I was able to respect the professor for his different teaching methods.
I remember leaving and talking to my roommate about the situation. She encouraged me to stay. I had always been a decent student so I decided to take the course and prove to myself and the professor that I would be one of the few students to pass his course. In order to prove to myself that I would be one of those passing students I studied a lot for the class. And by the end I was able to pass the course with a B. This made me extremely happy and I was able to respect the professor for his different teaching methods.
How TO and How NOT to Motivate Students
As a teacher there are things that must be done in order to motivate students into learning. I think that one of the most important things is showing that you care. When students feel like the teacher cares about their learning they are more willing to put in an effort. I also think that teachers need to have patience in order to motivate their students. Patience is an important aspect in teaching because when teachers are patient the student feels comfortable enough to go at their own pace and ask the questions they need.
A teacher should never compare students to motivate them to learn. Comparing students is probably one of the worst things anyone can do. As educators we need to understand that all students are different and learn differently. I always hear parents comparing their children to others or to their siblings. I have to stop them and explain to them that all children have their strengths and weaknesses. Another concept I would never use in motivating students is ridicule or shaming. I have seen teachers use this, they place a negative spot light on the student. This does not motivate students this kind of actions can be harmful to self-esteem. Ridiculing will have the opposite effect of motivation.
A teacher should never compare students to motivate them to learn. Comparing students is probably one of the worst things anyone can do. As educators we need to understand that all students are different and learn differently. I always hear parents comparing their children to others or to their siblings. I have to stop them and explain to them that all children have their strengths and weaknesses. Another concept I would never use in motivating students is ridicule or shaming. I have seen teachers use this, they place a negative spot light on the student. This does not motivate students this kind of actions can be harmful to self-esteem. Ridiculing will have the opposite effect of motivation.