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

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

4. 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?

5. SEVEN Motivating Techniques will follow

6. 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

7. #2: Don’t forget the last five minutes
Have something planned.
Consolidation activity, HW.
Keep their interest rather than idle chat.

8. #3: Use Games/Puzzles/Cartoons
Puzzles, games, Jeopardy, etc.
Brief and Simple
Use cartoon as a hook or on a worksheet

9. #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

10. 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

11. #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

13. #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

14. Hope & Community

15. #7: Involve Guardians/Parents
Phone
Face to face
Helpers
Donators
Resources/experts
Guest speakers
Coaches, tutors, volunteers

16. 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.