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Motivating studentsIntroduction I this short research article I wish to highlight the methods and techniques teachers adopt in order to motivate adult students. I have found that there are endless amounts of long drawn out papers on strategies that teachers can utilize to motivate and stimulate their students. However, as I am new to teaching I wanted to write a paper that simplifies these techniques. My goal is to look at what truly motives students to reach their full potential, and enjoy their learning experience. I have decided to focus the paper on adult learners. I found this area of teaching fascinating as there are so many factors to take into consideration. Why is motivation needed? Before examining the motivational techniques used in adult student motivation it is important to highlight the general demotivating characteristics adult learners can sometimes have when entering the education system again. Life experience: adult learners have already experienced a lot of life. They probably will have had many years of schooling already (some of which may be very negative) They may a fixed idea of what teaching is and how it should be carried out Age: Adult learners may actually be older then you, and therefore find it harder to see you as a teaching figure. They may not respect the fact they have someone younger than them teaching the lessons. Inhibition: It can be very daunting to enter into the world of education again after so many years. Fear of failure: As adults we are far more nervous of making mistakes in front of others, we embarrass far easier and are scared of feeling like a failure in front of our peers. Tiredness: Many of the students may have families and full time jobs. Many adults today are over worked in their jobs and having to do an english course on top of that can be exhausting. english for work: Many business people today are required to have english as a language, so you may have students who didn?t have any choice when taking the course. What can motivation do? In my opinion it doesn?t matter how old or young you are, being motivated and having a teacher that motivates you is essential to the learning process. It not only gives the students energy and drive in their learning. It is also incredibly rewarding for the teacher and makes the learning process fun and a source of pride for all involved. It can instill ambition in both the teacher and the learner. How to motivate adult learners There have been many books and research papers written about motivation over the years. Having read just some of them I have realised that there core points and methods to adopt when motivating students; most of which are for all ages. Create a relaxed and welcoming environment for the students Get to know the students and allow time for them to get to know each other. Once our social inhibitions are broken down and people no longer feel embarrassed to speak up in class, or make a mistake, the learning process will speed up immensely. Be gentle and encouraging. Remember that as adults we face anxiety and fear of failure. Do not force the students to participate, allow them to become relaxed with the people and their surroundings Encourage and praise as much as possible. It doesn?t matter what age you are, having someone congratulate and praise you is always very motivating. Be careful however not to sound patronizing. Be sincere and honest in your encouragement and that will come across to the students. Never over correct or humiliate anyone, ever. Make the lessons as varied and interesting as possible. Encourage lots of interacting and take the time to have fun and enjoy the lessons. Adult learners have lots of life experience, so draw upon this to create really engaging lessons. In conclusion I feel that if you get to know your adult students, you will learn from them, as well as teaching them. It is all about the atmosphere that you create in the classroom. The learning experience should be a positive memorable experience for all involved. So when motivating students always focus on the positive and then the lessons will also be a positive, memorable, educational experience for all involved.
