Being a teacher, there can be nothing worse than coming across an unmotivated student. Come to think of it – All your effort to plan and prepare lessons can go waste if the student is not motivated to do better. Trying to encourage a student can often feel like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. Teenagers are tough to motivate- every teacher remembers that one stubborn student in every class couldn’t be persuaded to move an inch! Or the ones who’d always do the opposite of what was told. And worst of all, the ones who’d mentally be on some other plane of existence entirely!

1. Practical Strategies to Motivate Students!
Being a teacher, there can be nothing worse than coming across an unmotivated
student. Come to think of it – All your effort to plan and prepare lessons can go
waste if the student is not motivated to do better. Trying to encourage a student can
often feel like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. Teenagers are tough to
motivate- every teacher remembers that one stubborn student in every class couldn’t
be persuaded to move an inch! Or the ones who’d always do the opposite of what
was told. And worst of all, the ones who’d mentally be on some other plane of
existence entirely!
There’s no doubt that teaching is one of the most challenging jobs. Being responsible
for students’ mental and emotional growth is no joke! Here are a few ways to
motivate your students, when the need arises:
Feedback
Providing regular positive feedback is one of the best things you can do to motivate
your students. If done correctly, your feedback could create an atmosphere that
promotes growth and learning at each turn. Instead of giving praise for abilities, give
credit for effort, attitude, and investment. Making statements like “Have you been
practicing maths at home? It reflects in your work”, “You have really worked hard
on this project- well done!” or “I enjoyed reading your assignment- looks like you’ve
put a lot of effort into it”. It can boost the student’s desire to do better. New-age
schooling platforms like Schoolmojo.in provide options to provide feedback for
assignment submissions that can be used to achieve this objective. It assures them
that their efforts are being noticed and appreciated and inspires them to keep up the
action.
Building good relationships
Building a good relationship is also essential to keeping your students motivated.
Your students need to trust and respect you to seek guidance from you. While you
continue to give students feedback, consider the flipside too. Ask them for feedback

2. on your teaching methods and material. Your students are the best source of
information on which strategies work and what they find engaging in the classroom.
This practice also fosters trust, and students see that you are invested in their progress
and willing to make changes for their benefit.
The foundation of a good relationship lies in getting to know your students. Make
time to interact with all of your students – learn about their interests, dislikes, what’s
going on in their homes, who their friends are, etcetera. Every student is different,
and hence they have other triggers and motivational strategies. It might take a few
tries to find the right one, but if you can get to know them more at a personal level,
you will be better equipped to find the strategy that works for them.
Democracy
Wherever possible, give students choices. Students are used to parents and teachers
dictating every aspect of their lives. Having the autonomy to make choices for
themselves can be a major motivating factor. Within the set curriculum, give
students options on how they would like to learn the material. Another good idea is
the 20-time method. You allocate 20% (or say 10%) of the time for students to
pursue their chosen projects. This method was adopted by companies like Google
for their employees with excellent results. For students, this nurtures curiosity and
independent study.
Another option is to let them choose their form of assessment. When giving an
assignment, let students choose between a video report, an oral report, and a PPT
presentation. Students will be able to play to their strengths or choose a method
they enjoy creating. Either way, they will be better off having a choice.
Establish expectations and set goals
Be vocal about your expectations from your students. Create boards or charts for
tracking goals and achievements, or encourage them to create one themselves.
Having a public board proves more beneficial, as we are more likely to accomplish
goals when they are shared. www.makeavisionboard.com can help you create a
vision board with your students. Set aside time for reflecting on the goals they have
achieved and how to work towards the ones they haven’t reached yet.

3. Use examples
Wherever possible, lead by example. If you want your students to behave with
compassion and empathy, practice it in the classroom yourself. Students always
learn by example. Create examples of the students who consistently put in efforts and
work hard, whether it reflects academically or not. If you are assigning a project, and
are looking for specific outcomes, show examples of what you expect. Only
discussing or talking is not enough for motivation. Examples help children get an
idea of what is expected of them, which motivates them to meet those expectations.
Summing it up
Even the best students have times when they feel demotivated or uninspired. As a
teacher, it is essential to practice methods that help them stay motivated to succeed
throughout the semester. Allowing students the chance to play to their strengths and
a level of autonomy within the classroom can significantly increase their motivation.
Emotionally, the bond you have with your students makes it easier for them to seek
and accept help whenever they require it. Use Student Discussion features available
on schooling platforms like Schoolmojo.in to stay connected with your students
without breaching your privacy! Students do not always know what they need,
making it challenging to help them. As a teacher, the best you can do is pay attention
to their problems and find solutions together. Progress, whether emotional or
academic, is not achieved overnight. Have patience and be prepared to consistently
offer help and guidance to those who need it most. Remember, when you are a
teacher, you are shaping the future. Don’t be too hard on yourself!