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Values. The students’ values, attitudes, and previous experiences affect the nature and
amount of what they learn. The motivation you use must fit a student’s value system. Students
have more interest in a subject that deals with goals they see as important in their lives. For
example, a lesson on the flag or the Code of Conduct would probably motivate a student who
values patriotism.
Attitudes. Attitudes consist of feelings for or against people, objects, or ideas. Showing a
positive attitude about the subject you present can cause the student to want to learn. Students
have more desire to learn when instructors show an interest in what they teach.
Incentives. Incentives or rewards can stimulate motivation. Incentives such as good grades,
awards, or selection as a distinguished graduate motivate students who want to achieve.
Achievement. Achievement is a strong desire, a longing, an aim, a goal, or a desired
objective. To make an effort to succeed, students must have a need to achieve at a certain level.
TECHNIQUES OF MOTIVATION
Although motivation is one of the prime tasks of instructing, it is both the student’s and the
instructor’s responsibility. The lesson subject, the classroom atmosphere, the competence of the
instructor, and the personality of the instructor and the student all affect a student’s motivation.
The following techniques will assist you in developing motivational strategies to use when
instructing.
Make the subject matter interesting.
Plan motivational strategies to keep the lesson
interesting. A dull presentation causes students to become bored, restless, and uninvolved. A
lack of response from the students will affect the quality of your instruction. As a result, you
may lose confidence and enthusiasm, which, in turn, will have a negative effect on student
motivation. To promote interest, use a variety of materials while instructing.
Establish goals. The goals of instruction come directly from the learning objectives. Ensure
that you present the objectives for each block of instruction so that students will understand
exactly what they are expected to be able to do as a result of training.
Provide informative feedback. Students need feedback when they are trying to meet goals.
You can give either oral or written feedback, but be sure you give recognition for proper
student behavior and achievements. Also be sure to point out student errors and how to correct
them. Recognizing good performance and pointing out areas that need improvement contribute
to effective learning.
Show interest in your students. Give students detailed feedback when they respond to a
question or perform some task related to instructional objectives. Feedback may make the
difference between a student’s feelings of success or Failure. Always comment favorably on
successful performance.
Encourage participation. You should be open to student contributions and points of view.
Students bring many different experiences to the learning environment. Use these experiences
to stimulate interest and add variety to learning.
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