In striving to promote good learning it is essential to consider two key elements: motivation and confidence. These aspects directly influence how students cope with schoolwork and their ability to achieve their academic goals.
Motivation is the internal force that drives students to engage and strive in the learning process. However, it is important to note that motivation can be influenced by different factors and emotions. Some students may feel enthusiasm and enjoyment when facing a challenge, while others may experience stress or frustration when seeking external rewards or avoiding punishment. Therefore, as teachers, it is our duty to generate optimal conditions that allow them to experience learning with satisfaction and enjoyment.
Propose challenging tasks or activities
An effective way to promote learning is to provide students with tasks or activities that are challenging but achievable based on their abilities. It is important to avoid too easy tasks that can lead to boredom, as well as too difficult tasks that can undermine their confidence. When considering the diversity of achievement levels in the classroom, it is necessary to adapt the challenges in order to meet the needs of each student.
Watch and ask how they feel
Active listening and empathy are powerful tools to promote confidence and motivation in students. Take the time to ask them how they feel before, during, and after doing an activity. Validate their emotions and opinions, recognizing that it is normal to experience fear, frustration, or differences in academic performance. By providing them with support and understanding, you will help them feel safe and confident in their ability to face challenges.
Use language that invites participation and involvement
The language we use as teachers has a significant impact on student motivation. Invite them to participate and get involved in school activities through enthusiastic and encouraging language. Demonstrate availability for answering their questions and provide support when they need it. In doing so, we give them confidence and remind them that they are not alone in their learning process.
Provide constant feedback
Feedback is a fundamental tool to promote students’ motivation and academic growth. It provides information on their progress on an ongoing basis, highlighting their achievements and providing specific guidance for improvement. Foster a learning mindset where mistakes are seen as opportunities to grow and develop. Both teachers and students must understand that the learning process involves challenges and that they can be overcome with effort and perseverance.
Important:
Keep in mind that motivation is a complex process. It can be influenced by students’ ideas and beliefs about themselves and their ability to face school challenges. Hence, it is necessary to provide them with empathetic messages that allow them to have real knowledge about their performance and the opportunities to improve their performance and learning.
Remember that as a teacher you have the possibility to create moments for students to feel motivated, confident in their abilities and to enjoy the challenges presented to them in school. Rely on these strategies and turn your institution into a place of enjoyment and well-being for your students.
Would you like to know more about this topic and others that can help you improve the performance of your students and the climate in the classroom? We invite you to visit the Wiese Foundation’s Educational Quality Program, where you will find resources and tools to support teachers in promoting motivated and confident learning.
In season 4, chapter 3, of the series “Strengthening Socioemotional Skills”, we address the topic “Motivation and confidence as conditions for learning“. We encourage you to explore this valuable content that can contribute to the development of your teaching skills. Visit our program and be part of the educational transformation!
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