Ideas for Increasing Student Motivation, Age by Age
For parents and educators alike, keeping students on task and performing at or above their level of intelligence
can be a difficult task. Increasing student motivation is key for good performance and success in learning.
Completing work effectively is the responsibility of the student, however there are some techniques that teachers
and parents can use to help students stay on task and put their all into their own education.
The techniques used for increasing student motivation will vary by age level. For instance, a high school age
student is not going to write the essay of a lifetime for the reward of a lollipop. Find out what the common
interests are and develop a reward system based on the activities and personalities of your students. Motivational
rewards do not have to be physical objects. Be creative in coming up with fresh and fun ideas, rotating them often
to prevent boredom.
Elementary Students
The basis of learning good work habits and personal responsibility begins as early as kindergarten. Increasing
student motivation at this level is seemingly simple, as most young children are very inquisitive and love to learn
new things. Foster their love of learning and encourage them to ask bigger questions than their curriculum
requires. Praise them for asking these questions and assist them in finding the answers.
While learning the answers can motivate students, employing some physical rewards with this age group can be very
effective for increasing student motivation. Create goals charts for each student with personalized learning goals
that are relatively easy to achieve. Reward students with a small prize for reaching a new goal. Prizes can be
things such as inexpensive books, stickers, art supplies, or even a one night homework pass. Allow time each day to
check progress on their goals and update the charts regularly. If they can see their progress, they will be more
motivated to achieve their goal.
Middle School Students
This age group is where interest in learning can begin to subside. Many students at this age level feel that
repetitive work is boring and not worth time or effort. It is important at this age level to begin associating the
lessons they are learning with real world applications. Relating practical uses of math concepts or grammar lessons
to specific interests of the student assists in increasing student motivation to develop a better understanding of
these principles.
A great way for increasing student motivation at this age level is to explore different career choices and life
goals of your students. Bring in speakers that work in many of the fields that the children are interested in and
have them explain how these concepts are applied within their job description. Additionally, implementing a reward
system for reaching challenges can still be effective at this age.
High School Students
This age group is probably the most difficult when it comes to increasing student motivation. Prior school
experiences have affected these student's attitudes towards learning, and many times major damage has been done.
Within this age range, interests lie outside of school, with increased socialization and extra curricular
activities. Introducing students to the concept of being responsible for one's own actions is very important for
motivation.
Keeping students from outside activities when certain goals are not met can sometimes be effective, however this
can lead to poor attitudes towards learning. Instead, incorporate additional help for those who seem to be
struggling while still allowing them access to sports and other organizations. Have stronger students work
alongside weaker students within these organizations to encourage teamwork and cooperative learning as way of
increasing student motivation. Many times all a student needs to succeed is the realization that someone else
believes in them and encourages their success.
| 
Delicious
Google Bookmarks
Stumbleupon
Digg
BlinkList
Blogmarks
Facebook
Ma.gnolia
Reddit
Twitter
Yahoo My Web
Livejournal
