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Article gives help in jump starting students to produce.
Motivating Students To Excell
By: Danny Von Kanel
Mediocrity has become the norm in so many schools. It doesn’t have to be. It doesn’t cost money to make it happen. We have only to reflect on teachers whose motivation moved us to greater heights and why to come up with practical ways to “jump start” our own students’ initiative. I have found excellence begins to immerge when we show, share, spend, send, speak, and spill-over.
Show Interest
My son, Brad, was struggling in his math and science classes. Having the same teacher for both subjects as a part of a “teaching team”, I wanted to see first hand why he was having trouble. Securing permission to observe the class, I immediately recognized part of Brad’s problem. His teacher gave him little attention. Once thought was given to Brad, his grades went up.
Granted, with large classes it is more difficult to show individual interest. Even so, it doesn’t take much. Most students relish any consideration by their teacher.
Showing interest is as easy as stopping by a student’s desk and complimenting them on something they are doing right, calling on them even when they don’t raise their hand and welcoming and saying goodbye when they come or leave your class.
Share Love
Love may be a foreign word to most classrooms but is essential to achieving the most out of our students.
I will always remember Ms Winnigie, my second grade teacher. She showed me love in special ways. Every afternoon she allowed me to stay after school to draw pictures of birds. To this day I can’t draw but I cherish those afternoons being able to do so. I also remember hitting my elbow on the edge of my desk and passing out. When I came to I was in Ms. Winnigie arms being carried to the principal’s office. Simple acts of compassion moved me to give my best in her class.
You don’t necessarily have to tell your class you love them. Sharing love through simple acts of kindness prompts many students to action. Love them as Jesus loved.
It never hurts for students to hear their teacher say loving words such as: I forgive, I’m sorry, I admit I was wrong, you did a great job, thank you, what do you think, or may I help.
Spend Time
Love can truly be spelled TIME. Teachers who spend quality time with students get the most out of them. Moments together outside the classroom are even better.
Jack was an English teacher but not a sportsman. Yet, if Jack had a student playing sports, he never missed his or her games unless two students played at the same time on different fields. Then he divided his time.
Students knew Jack had more than a teaching job. They recognized he cared enough to go beyond his job description to spend time sharing their interests.
Everyone recognizes teachers are swamped grading papers, doing lesson plans, and other teacher responsibilities. Time is limited. Just make sure you are not sacrificing doing unnecessary paperwork to the detriment of time with students.
Send I Messages
Difficult students are not beyond the realm of excellence. Indeed, some troublemakers are some of your best leaders once channeled in the right direction. “I” messages gets their attention but doesn’t accuse them as a “you” message would. For instance:
I am disappointed that you … not You messed up when …
I feel hurt when you treat others not What’s wrong with you?
Don’t miss the thrust of this: You cannot brow beat students to excellence. Not through angry words. Not through threats. Not through coercions. Not through accusatory “you” messages. The point is crystal clear: It is impossible to gain the favor of students through fear.
That being said, a wise teacher will not allow one or more students to destroy the morale and educational potential of other students in the class.
Spillover with Passion for the Subject
I thought I was beyond being “wowed” by a teacher until I got to graduate school. Dr. Talmadge Butler had me so excited when I left his class that I thought the answer to the world’s problems were all wrapped up in the truths of his teaching. He was so passionate about his subject matter that we all sat transfixed on the edge of our seats waiting for his first word upon his arrival each morning.
Dr. Butler had a way of having numerous “AH HA” or “WOW” moments in his teaching. He was a master story teller. His face and voice inflection portrayed the story he told with great fervor.
Dr. Butler’s passion was obvious through his preparation. Not only did he use every teaching method possible to teach but he also had us outline eight course textbooks. At the end of the term, he gave us an outline he had made of all eight books. His preparation inspired us to be more geared up in our places of service.
But our preparation was not the only thing Dr. Butler’s passion changed in us. He changed our minds. He changed our motivation. He changed the way we defined true living. But most of all he changed our love for learning and for being the best in whatever field we chose.
You may say, “That is graduate school. I teach elementary school kids or high schoolers. How does that apply? The same way. Be passionate about the subject you teach and watch your students begin to act the same.
The neat thing about each of these ‘jump starters” to excellence is that they cost nothing but time. Yet time well spent. Our students need to know that there teacher will help them until their better, help them until they can live with necessary skills in their world, and who won’t go to sleep on their “teacher watch” when students wake and see the darkness of their unrealized potential.
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Eternal Love, Dove
I still remember my teachers as well, some better than others. It takes a special soul to teach and inspire children of all ages. You said it well.
Elizabeth