Motivating Reluctant Learners & Effective Communication @Dr. Doug Methods Nipissing University

"You cannot teach people anything. You can only help them discover it within themselves." Galileo

Why are students “Reluctant to Learn??” Not interested in school at all? Not interested in what you are teaching? Other things on their mind? Not able to learn in the time-frame or manner of presentation?

SEVEN Motivating Techniques will follow

Get the students involved as soon as they enter the class #1: The first five minutes are crucial – Present a Challenge – Use a HOOK or Introduction Activity Get the students involved as soon as they enter the class Use meaningful subject-oriented activities or get right into lesson Avoid letting them sit and chat while taking attendance By engaging students right away will be easier to keep them focused for the lesson. Great care must be taken to select the challenge or hook Hook must be short and not complex Hook leads into the lesson, must not detract from lesson Hook must be within students’ ability

#2: Don’t forget the last five minutes Have something planned. Consolidation activity, HW. Keep their interest rather than idle chat.

#3: Use Games/Puzzles/Cartoons Puzzles, games, Jeopardy, etc. Brief and Simple Use cartoon as a hook or on a worksheet

#4: Recognize that the student needs to feel a sense of belonging Hook the student; set up special responsibilities Student-centered class – choices, student-initiated activities Set up peer-tutors, buddies Encourage participation Be available for extra-help

Focus on identifying learning gaps #5: Recognize that the student is employing coping strategies to protect him/herself. Avoid confrontation Focus on identifying learning gaps Show interest, encourage the student to feel competent Give one-on-one feedback Concentrate on strengths Help the student to see cause/effect relationships

#6: Emphasize and Encourage Effort Give a reason for effort Allow the 3 R’s – redo, retake, revise Separate effort from achievement Encourage each student to improve one thing each day Ask for small things first Develop plans in writing

#6: Creating Hope Show how achievement benefits Create challenges that can be mastered Help students develop goals Help them to get organized Focus on success Focus on the learning process Make homework a bonus Encourage/support positive affirmations

Hope & Community

#7: Involve Guardians/Parents Phone Email Face to face Helpers Donators Resources/experts Guest speakers Coaches, tutors, volunteers

Tasks (a) Write a reflexive paragraph on possible ways you might actively involve guardians/parents in your pedagogy. Use examples and analogies. (b) Accordingly, revise your newsletter to incorporate some aspect of your altered philosophy. Be prepared to share both. Refer to what you consider to be a successful lesson from your last practicum. Revise the ‘Pre-assessment of learners’ section to include a full paragraph on accommodations for a student who lacks motivation.