Motivation

There are many paths to motivation. Choice is one of the top motivators. When students are given a choice about what to read, what to research, and how to report their learning, you offer them motivation to learn.

Another is lesson planning that takes into account students preferred learning styles. This can make them feel comfortable with the subject and more motivated to learn about it. Throughout this course, the 4A Learning Styles, Multiple Intelligences, and Intelligent Behaviors have been connected to the strategies discussed. As you discover more about how your students learn, you set them up for success.

Using the appropriate Before, During and After Reading strategies also set students up for success. Supporting their learning through small group activities and assessing learning through projects and rubrics are also good ways to motivate students.

And don't forget your own love of reading! Share with your students that you love to read by reading out loud in class. Reading good literature in the classroom has a place in every class at every level. If you are a physics teacher, share parts of well-written biographies of physicists. If your content area is history, choose anything from biographies to historical fiction. Teach art? Then share with your students books of artists' prints, articles about their influence on magazine advertisements, or biographies. All content areas have good literature that is appropriate for reading aloud to students.

When students begin to think of themselves as successful learners more of the motivation becomes intrinsic. It does not have to be provided by you, the teacher, or other outside entities. And, as you know, success breeds success! Students who succeed once are more willing to try again. Even if one success does not "turn them around,"  continuous teaching, support and encouragement will reach and motivate students over time.