During the learning process in schools, it is normal to find very enthused students, others who are distracted or frustrated, and even some who feel unable to perform a certain task. Moreover, throughout the year, we see that their energy gradually transforms and their way of participating is no longer the same. Given this, as teachers, it is valid to ask ourselves the following questions: why do they their energy and confidence change when it comes to learning? and, how to keep them motivated?
MOTIVATION DURING LEARNING
Motivation is a complex process and can be influenced by students’ ideas and beliefs about themselves and their ability to face school challenges. Therefore, we must provide them with empathetic messages that allow them to have real knowledge about their performance and about the opportunities to change their performance and learning.
On occasions, a student performs a task with enthusiasm and enjoyment because he/she recognizes that it is challenging, interesting, and even important. But, other times, he/she also does it because he/she seeks to receive a prize, reward or to avoid punishment.
As we can see, although a student may remain motivated toward the achievement of the task and comply with the request, emotions and affections during the unfolding of the activity may not necessarily promote their well-being. Therefore, it is important that, as teachers, we generate optimal conditions that help our students experience learning with enjoyment and satisfaction.
HOW TO PROMOTE MOTIVATION AND CONFIDENCE FOR LEARNING
Below, we mention some recommendations and strategies you can apply to promote student motivation and pleasant emotions during their learning process:
- Propose tasks or activities that are challenging: make sure that they are at the level of their abilities, avoiding that they be too demanding and might lead them to lose confidence in their ability to undertake the task, or that they are very boring so they may lose interest.
- Observe and ask how they feel before, during and after the activity: collect their opinions and emotions, empathize with them. For example, you might mention, “It’s normal for the task to be complex for some and simpler for others, and we may need different resources to accomplish it.”
- Use language that invites them to participate and get involved: talk to them enthusiastically about the challenge, keep attentive to their needs and available to answer any questions that they may have or provide the support that they may require.
- Constantly provide information about their progress: give them feedback on their performance in an empathetic way, pointing out positive aspects and those specific things that they can do to improve.
Remember that an error is always a learning opportunity and it is important that you and the students feel that way. If you want to know more about how to strengthen the motivation and confidence of the students during the learning process. We recommend that you watch the second chapter of our series “Strengthening Socioemotional Skills”, here:
