At Discipline Associates, we define the concept ofmotivation as students wanting to learn.
We do not consider rewards, inducements, privileges, threats or punishments as techniques that increase motivation. They increase desire “to get something” or “to avoid something.” But they do not increase desire to learn.
Simply put, finishing work is not a result of motivation, learning from the work is. Our live seminars and training materials focus on ways to encourage the love of learning.
Our primary goals are: increasing student effort, enhancing desire to be in school, and energizing teachers.
We have been successful with students of all ages, grades, and socioeconomic backgrounds as well as in urban, rural and suburban schools. Participants in our seminars leave full of strategies, energy, collegiality and a new appreciation of the value of all children. Below is a specific strategy to help you understand what motivation means to us.
Have any of you ever had a student ask you the question. "why do I have to?"
Most teachers do not like this question. Picture one of your students saying that to you right now. How would you respond? Is your answer like most? Does it go something like this?
Because I said so...
Because it will help you...
Because you will need this later in life...
Because I'm the teacher and you need to do what I say!
The problem with these answers is that they do not show the student how it is in his or her best interest to do our assignment. Try this the next time a student says, "why do I have to?"
Student: Why do I have to? I don't want to. This is dumb!
Teacher: Well what do you want to be when you grow up?
Student: An NBA basketball player. And they don't need to know math.
Teacher: Wow. I'm glad you want to be an NBA player, and I can't believe you don't think they need to know math. Did you know that NBA players make a ton of money?
Student: Yes. And I plan to make a ton of money too.
Teacher: Great. I hope you do. But just so you know, the country that we live in takes out these minor things from our paycheck called taxes. Ever heard of them?
Student: Yes
Teacher: Good. And in New York State they take out 7% for state income tax. Do you know what 7% of a million is?
Student: No
Teacher: Well unless you want the state to take more of your money than they are entitled, I'd suggest you learn percents. I'll see your homework tomorrow.
The first thing we did is answer the student question with a question. This buys us time and turns the attention and focus back to the student. Then we show them how it is in their best interest to do what we are asking them to do!
Check back for more motivation tips coming soon! And for more on Student Motivation check out our newly released book
Motivating Students Left Behind!