Motivational Strategies for Engaging Students in Real and Virtual Classrooms

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Introduction

Good afternoon, everyone! Today’s session is about motivational strategies that will help keep students engaged in both real and virtual classrooms. Our insightful speaker, Joanna Dossiter, a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience at the British Council in Barcelona, is here to share practical ideas and motivational theories to enhance teaching practices.

In a world that has seen unprecedented challenges, especially in 2020, motivation has proven to be the fuel that supports resilience and optimism in learners. This presentation will provide ten actionable teaching ideas designed to foster student engagement, both online and offline.

Part 1: Setting Off the Journey

Importance of Motivation

Motivation can be described as the driving force that compels students to want to engage with the subject matter. In this segment, Joanna emphasizes the significance of creating a positive learning environment and understanding what motivates students.

What Words Come to Mind?

Participants were encouraged to jot down words associated with motivation:

  • Achievement
  • Enjoyment
  • Goal
  • Journey

Characteristics of Motivating Teachers

  1. Building Trust and Relationships: A positive relationship with students fosters an environment where they feel safe to express themselves.
  2. Empowering Students: Motivate them to feel confident and capable through effective feedback and encouragement.
  3. Fostering Autonomy: Allow students choices in their learning process.

Theoretical Frameworks on Motivation

Joanna discusses various frameworks, including:

  • Self-Determination Theory: Highlights three basic needs - relatedness, autonomy, and competence.
  • Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: Understanding the difference between motivation driven by internal desires versus external rewards is crucial for teachers.

Part 2: The Journey

Generating Initial Motivation

One of the primary goals of this phase is to create enthusiasm at the course's beginning. Below are some practical ideas:

  1. Setting Goals: Encourage students to set personal learning goals.
  2. Breaking Down Learning: Present information in manageable chunks.
  3. Using Engaging Content: Tailor content to fit students' interests.

Maintaining Motivation

Teachers should consistently work to maintain student motivation through varied approaches:

  • Collaborative Group Work: Engages students through teamwork, encouraging peers to learn from each other.
  • Using Technology Variably: Tools like Kahoot or Google Forms can introduce excitement into the learning process.

Protecting Motivation Against Distractions

Joanna suggests that teachers be proactive in protecting student motivation from distractions:

  • Routine and Structure in Lessons: Providing a predictable framework while integrating varied activities can reduce anxiety.

Part 3: Holding the Vision

The Power of Visualization

Utilizing techniques such as vision boards helps learners visualize their future selves and where they want to go with their language learning.

Celebrating Success

Recognizing accomplishments, no matter how small, is vital for sustaining motivation:

  1. Positive Feedback: Sharing students' strengths boosts their confidence.
  2. Collaborative Projects: Completing group tasks fosters a sense of achievement.

Growth Mindset

Joanna highlights the importance of fostering a growth mindset, rooted in the belief that effort leads to improvement. Encourage students to:

  • View failures as learning experiences.
  • Set realistic expectations for progress.

Conclusion

In summary, effectively motivating students requires a blend of active engagement, supportive environments, and varied instructional methods. As Joanna elegantly stated, “The key to change is having faith that something even more magnificent will take its place.” As we navigate education in real and virtual settings, these motivational strategies will enhance the learning experience for both teachers and students.

Thank you for your participation, and let’s continue to inspire our students towards their educational journeys!


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