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Introduction

All of us are motivated in one way or another. We differ in levels, hence high or low manifestations are easily observed. This is true mostly with students who are naturally curious and eager to gain information Associated with teaching, motivation is the key that could spell the student’s interest or indifference in any learning activity. One of the greatest challenges that teachers face is how to motivate students.

WHAT IS MOTIVATION Motivation stands for “impulse”, rationale or driving force. It is simply one reason or purpose for undertaking an activity. It could originate from the inner self or from external forces.

– It is observed as high or

strong if the student appears stimulated or highly interested; low if described to be unmoved or passive. Much will depend on the motivational strategy which will be employed by the teacher.

KINDS OF MOTIVATION It is very important that teachers recognize the difference between a self- and an externally-motivated behavior.

INTRINSIC MOTIVATION • Intrinsic or internal motivation

originates from the student’s inner self. It can arise from his needs at the time.

His attitudes and values could likewise greatly determine the observable level of motivation. Examples of ones needs are the desire to excel or the fear to failure, to become the leader or a mere follower. The values of curiosity and creativity are exhibited by one who is naturally inner-motivated. Intrinsic motivation, by its origin, is an integral part of ones personality. The basic motivational pattern may not change much, especially if a teacher’s association with the student is only for a short time.

Examples of intrinsic motivation which could be considered aims or goals are: Desire to get high grades To be the most popular To be the torch bearer Be declare the best athlete Be a dean’s lister

EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION

Extrinsic or external motivation originates from the learning environment. It includes some forms o incentives intended to arouse and sustain interest in a learning activity. As a result, students may work harder or behave better. Rewards, be it materials or otherwise could served as a good incentive. A new dress for getting high grade or a new pair of shoes for winning a ball game serves as a positive incentive. Recognizing for completing a learning task or a prize for winning in a math contest is an effective incentive.

Examples of positive incentives are:

A card praising a pupil for being wellbehaved, A toy car for doing his assignments for a week, A card with the highest average posted in the bulletin board, A literature book for the best in poetry, A simple trophy for the 1st placer among the graduates.

LEVEL OF MOTIVATION

An observant teacher never fails to notice whether the whole class is showing interest in the lesson or merely behaving quietly. Sensing such reaction, what is the best thing to do? A teacher was almost annoyed when she saw a student run to the laboratory room to get materials that will be needed in the experiment. When asked why he did not wait for the classmates to go there, he answered “I like to be the one to do it!” How would you assess the motivation of the students? While it is important to know whether a response is internally or externally motivated, it is equally urgent that the teacher should be sensitive enough to notice whether the students are behaving positively or negatively. Being aware of the level of their motivation, the atmosphere could either be continued or revised.

Following are some signs that could indicate high or low motivation.

HIGH OR MOTIVATION

POSITIVE

A highly motivated student is observed to do the following:

Asks questions during discussion. Facial expression shows intently listening and observing what is happening in a demonstration. Smiles and nod to show confirmation. Curiously goes around the room to look for more materials. Persists in solving problem until reaching the solution. Does extra work beyond regular class hours. Read more references to gain more information.

LOW OR NEGATIVE MOTIVATION

A poorly motivated student is observed to be any of the following: Inattentively and with a blank look. Homework or assignments left undone. Seems bored and uninterested. Seldom participates in investigation lesson. Unable to work by himself. Not time conscious, hence wastes time. Depends on classmates for lesson conclusions. Does not listen, instead distracts others.

MOTIVATIONAL STRATEGIES Following are some general suggestions for improving the motivational level of students. Make the students aware of their own progress such as: Higher grades obtained More games won Favorite books read Experiments performed

Vary teaching strategies.

If you see them about to fall asleep, change your technique to one that would need more movements. Inject something surprising which will make them see what is coming next.

Let your sense of humor work in every lesson they will look forward to a funfilled lesson. Arouse their curiosity. Introduce a strange substance or object on the table. Don’t tell them what it is. Let them examine it with big eyes, touch if not harmful, smell, but not taste. Curious children are highly motivated and will learn faster. Plan lessons which will need audiovisual gadgets, tools and materials. You will see them trying to manipulate the devices better than the other.

Assist students in solving personal problems or simple physical inabilities by suggesting creative solutions. The remedies must be something new to them but which are doable. Their successful attempt will sustain interest and develop creativity, almost as a habit. Use educational games occasionally to break to monotony of straight quiet learning task.

– Pick a statement currently being quoted on television or radio that has bearing on the topic you are explaining. It will reinforce their understanding as well as their recall. It could be a new song that is currently a favorite.

Vary the activities and the procedures planned for the day’s lesson. Sometimes a step-by-step construction of a project or a randomly performed investigation of a problem in connection with the topic could heighten the motivation, especially for the bright ones. Announce a reward in any form for those who can complete the learning activity fast enough but with quality. Role-playing, simulation games and dramatizations are teaching strategies that cater to their imagination and ambitions. Try them.

Since you know the abilities of your students, prepare different lesson activities as to level of difficulty and time required. It would be easy to observe the highly motivated from the rest. Write brief praises or words of approval for written work when you return. They will serve as encouragement for the future assignments that are marked. Videotape a special presentation, debate or musical piece. Even the usually poorly motivated will enjoy listening.

Once in a while, teach a topic from the newspapers. The shift will arouse interest in daily happening around them; at the same time develop their reading skills. Finally, be an enthusiastic teacher and show you are interested and enjoying what you are doing. Enthusiasm is contagious.