Motivation... It seems like a challenge that all teachers face and I have read mean of my classmates blogs that have this same topic for their blogs as well. I think motivation is something that we have to work hard, as teachers, to get students engaged and keep them engaged.
I have certain classes that are really great, and then others where students are continually complaining. They complain even if they have to get out their pencil in class. Other classes (usually 7th period- last class of the day) that doesn't seem to want to work or do anything at all.
I sometimes struggle trying to get them to take notes and write things down even if I say, you will turn in your notes to be graded. I know there are ways to motivate, such as candy/rewards/games; however are these appropriate to always use to motivate students? I guess the biggest thing is trying to relate to students on their level. So possibly I should work harder at figuring out how to turn the lesson on "boring" (to them) mutual funds in personal finance class and try to spice up the lesson with different activities to get them moving around...
Any suggestions?
learning personal finance is so important....as most of us now know! but when your younger...well money grows on trees doesnt it?
ReplyDeletewhat grades are these classes in? for older students, junoirs and seniors, you may be able to make the class more relevent to them by making them create and "live" off of a budget. it could be a fun little simulation (or a not so little one, depending on how far you wanted to take it). but in the end they would understand the costs of living (food, rent, utilities, insurance) and how debt (cards, cars, ect.) impacts that. give them each a job (like in the game "life"), but first break them up, who is going to college and who isnt, then go from there. each week they could get an income, and have to pay all of their bills. make sure that the income they are getting is based on a true income for that job. they could research that. also dont forget about taxes! man they could learns SO much from this!
anyways, just a thought!
I can sympathize with you - especially 7th period! I know how I feel after sitting in classes all day, wishing I could be outside or spending time doing something else- anything else! I think by making their lessons something that they can take part in creating a project to make it their own would be helpful. My 7th period is AR reading and health. The students are more receptive to the health part, but they have a difficult time staying awake and reading for 1/2 hour. If you could utilize something that is applicable, like what Austie suggested, it would probably help. I think it will depend on your cooperative teacher as well. I have found that I'm not able to try everything I would like to do because my teacher - though extremely good at what he does - is very methodical and a bit "old school." His methods have worked well as the students are well behaved and his OAKS test scores show it, but I would think there are more ways to be sucessful than just one. It may be when you have your own classroom that you can implement more ideas and bring your own energy into it.
ReplyDeleteShorty Park Re Motivation 3/15/09
ReplyDeleteDon't forget imagination!!
I feel that always motivating the students with candy/awards/prizes will make them only want to participate/be motivated when the reward is present. I always liked when the lessons included mini-group projects so that you could learn other students' points of view.
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