"Some students seem naturally enthusiastic about
learning, but many need-or expect-their instructors to inspire, challenge, and
stimulate them: "Effective learning in the classroom depends on the teacher's
ability ... to maintain the interest that brought students to the course in the
first place" (Ericksen, 1978, p. 3). Whatever level of motivation your students
bring to the classroom will be transformed, for better or worse, by what happens
in that classroom.
Unfortunately, there is no single magical formula
for motivating students. Many factors affect a given student's motivation to work
and to learn (Bligh, 1971; Sass, 1989): interest in the subject matter, perception
of its usefulness, general desire to achieve, self-confidence and self-esteem, as
well as patience and persistence. And, of course, not all students are motivated
by the same values, needs, desires, or wants. Some of your students will be
motivated by the approval of others, some by overcoming challenges.
Researchers have begun to identify those aspects
of the teaching situation that enhance students' self-motivation (Lowman, 1984;
Lucas, 1990; Weinert and Kluwe, 1987; Bligh, 1971). To encourage students to
become self-motivated independent learners, instructors can do the following:
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Give frequent, early, positive feedback
that supports students' beliefs that they can do well.
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Ensure opportunities for students’ success
by assigning tasks that are neither too easy nor too difficult.
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Help students find personal meaning and
value in the material.
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Create an atmosphere that is open and
positive.
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Help students feel that they are valued
members of a learning community.
Research has also shown that good everyday
teaching practices can do more to counter student apathy than special efforts to
attack motivation directly (Ericksen, 1978). Most students respond positively to a
well-organized course taught by an enthusiastic instructor who has a genuine
interest in students and what they learn. Thus activities you undertake to promote
learning will also enhance students' motivation."
