Motivation
The instinct to survive in human beings is very strong. Consequently, if a behavior has a favorable outcome, the motivational system in the brain ensures that this behavior is repeated. If the outcome is not positive, the individual is threatened, and will attempt not to repeat this behavior.
In the context of education, "motivation refers to the student's desire or intent to learn." (De Beers, 2006).
Motivation can be of two types: extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic motivation occurs due to an outside stimulus. For example, a child will be motivated to do well if she knows she will get a sticker.
Intrinsic motivation stems from the joy of learning. Learning for learning's sake.
As educators, we need to inculcate this thirst for knowledge in our students.
According to De Beers, there are 5 ways to do this:
1. Educators and parents need to create a safe environment for learning
2. Students need to set goals on a daily basis
3. Positive reinforcement
4. Managing emotions
5. Frequent feedback
The educator needs to first understand why a student is not motivated.
There may be various reasons for this: The student may have had a negative experience with another teacher. He sees no point in learning what the teacher is teaching. The lesson may be uninspiring.
The teacher's way of teaching may be boring.
Keeping these factors in mind, the educator must create engaging and meaningful the educators must have a thorough knowledge of who their students are and what they like. They must have many teaching strategies which address different needs. Lesson must not only be relevant but meaningful as well.
As a classroom teacher, I would select a novel study after a great deal of deliberation. Many of my students come from low economic backgrounds. I also know that these children dearly love to laugh. They feel safe and 'at home' in the classroom when they are giggling David William's "Mr. Stink" was the perfect choice for my class.
Reference:
Beers, B. (2006). Learning-driven schools: A practical guide for teachers and
principals. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision of Curriculum and
Development.