All teachers have had those students who can learn but simply choose not to. We’ve witnessed wasted beautiful minds, nonchalance of talent, and the refusal of effort. It is absolutely maddening; those students have the ability, but for whatever reason, their fire hasn’t been ignited. As educators, we long to be that incendiary match, but it’s much easier said than done, especially as the students get older.
Pulling from my personal experiences in education, as well as from my fabulous colleagues’, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite ways to motivate students. These suggestions, like use the student’s VIP, come from teachers who are dedicated to the profession, who are genuinely invested in our youth and in public education, and the methods are tried and true. Click HERE or the graphic below for 10 of the best unconventional ways (read: we’re not going to say “offer them extra credit!”) to motivate middle and high school students.
Good list. Three reasons people do what they do: FEAR, INCENTIVE, SELF-ESTEEM. Our high-achievers are motivated through self-esteem (pride, doing the right thing, value an education, etc.). Low-achievers can often be motivated by INCENTIVE or FEAR, but you have to get to know them enough to know how to bribe them (INCENTIVE) or scare them (FEAR). Your comment of never giving up is a critical component as well. Sometimes they just get so sick of you encouraging them, yelling at them, etc. that getting you to get off their back is enough incentive to actually do what you want them to do!