Teach English in Haibin Jiedao [incl. GangxiJiedao] - Tianjin

Motivating studentsIn the introductory lesson of the ITTT course book and the lessons that followed, it is stated that motivation is an important factor in the EFL classroom. A student?s motivation affects their level of participation and, overall, the dynamic of the classroom. If a student is highly motivated they will exert themselves in the classroom and take risks with the language. A student that is not highly motivated may not speak out and could bring a negative environment to the class. Though the teacher is not able to change the outside factors that determine a student?s motivation, with care, the teacher can encourage motivation by keeping the class diverse and interesting. We typically categorize adults as highly motivated students because the decision to study english was probably a personal decision. Adults may see the benefit of learning the language and will apply themselves more in the classroom. A young learner usually has a lower motivation level because the decision to learn the language was made by someone else. As stated earlier, a motivational teacher brings the material to life and gives the students confidence in the classroom. When students are confident and motivated, they are most teachable and least likely forget the things they are taught. How, then, can a teacher encourage motivation in the classroom? I think that a teacher that has passion is able to ignite interest in students. If the teacher shows the students that the material is exciting and beneficial, the students are likely to respond in a positive way. Many people react to emotion (though we do not want to manipulate emotion) and by creating a positive, passionate environment the students may be motivated to apply themselves. Reversely, a teacher with low motivation to be in the classroom has the ability to destroy the students? motivation. Aside from bringing the teacher?s passion to the students, the teacher can bring the students? passions to classroom. It is important that the teacher knows and understands the student because they can incorporate the students? favorite music, books, television shows, and hobbies in the lesson plan. Several ways the teacher can do this by using popular music and film clips in their activities, creating open discussion on pop culture, or by using a favorite sport as the context of a lesson. By speaking in english about topics the student would speak about in their own language, participation from those that are unmotivated is achievable. When the student realizes that the information they?re learning can be used in their daily lives, they will begin to understand the benefit of english and motivation will follow. It is understood that language students need to learn grammar. This can be the stage of an english class in which most students lose motivation the quickest. A teacher can still encourage the students during this stage by showing how the language points will benefit them in real situations. Use fun activities to stress the importance of good grammar and usage. Again, incorporate interesting topics and themes in the stage that will grab the students? attention. Finally, be flexible! If the students are not showing interest in an activity that was planned, try changing the activity a little to regain the attention of the students. If the teacher is constantly adapting the lesson to fit the needs of the students, the students will become more motivated and engage in the language. Teachers are an important part of any student?s life and have the ability affect the students? attitude towards the subject. A careful, passionate teacher that understands the needs of their students has the ability to create motivation in the EFL classroom.