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Motivating StudentsThere are many challenges that can arise for a teacher who is teaching a class a new language. Issues can range from language barriers to lack of resources, and pronunciation to planning a lesson. One of the areas that teachers may find difficulties in can also include motivating students. This may not always be an easy task because many students that a teacher will encounter will have different reasons for being in that class. Adult students will most often have very different reasons for learning a new language than a young learner would. Many times, young students are learning a new language because they are required to do so as a part of their school curriculum, or their parents have put them in a language class because they feel it will be beneficial for them in the future. Often, young learners do not see the benefit of learning a second language at a young age and tend to not take the class as seriously as an adult would. Adult learners on the other hand, may be clearer on the benefits of learning a new language and in turn will be more self motivated to learn. Although some adult learners can be learning a new language because they too are required to do so, they understand that it will help them, and most likely advance them in one way or another. Of course it is easier to teach students that are self motivated but it is still important for the teacher to make sure that the lessons are enjoyable, interesting and include a wide variety of activities, teaching techniques, and relevant material to the language level, age, and interests of the students. There are many ways in which a teacher can help their students become or stay motivated. An easy and often quick motivator is providing students with some sort of external reward. This can be done by having prizes for students who complete worksheets, or answer correctly. Even simply giving stickers on students? worksheet or homework assignments can show the students that they are on the right track and can help keep them focused on continuing to do a good job. This may seem like something to only do with young learners, but adults need a little extra encouragement as well sometimes. After a long day of work and an added course load, a little toy, a candy and even a sticker can bring a smile and that extra push an adult student may need to get through the class. Complimenting students on a job well done can also go a long way. A positive learning environment in which students have the ability to explore and discover new things for themselves can help students in becoming more intrinsically motive as well. When a student feels that they understand the material, they will feel more comfortable with themselves. This will allow students to participate more in class, in group work, and in individual tasks, assuming they understand the material and are answering correctly, students will feel pleased with themselves and hopefully in turn be more eager and motivated to learn more and new things.
