MOTIVATION

"For what is the best choice, for each individual is the highest it is possible for him to achieve." -Aristotle

Does your student ever say the words, "I'm not interested"??  Maybe they don't actually say that, but their actions might.  Lack of motivation makes students hard to understand, reach, and teach, which can make us feel angry and helpless.  What can you do, as their tutor, to influence them and guide them out of this "uninterested" state?

These students might believe they can't succeed, which is why unmotivated students choose to do nothing.  To reach these students we must find a way to help them experience success and feel that they belong.  Doing so, will require much insight and patience, because it will not be a fast change.

First off, you must believe that these students are motivated, because all students are, in their own way.  Thinking they are lazy is not going to help get the results you want.   Maybe they really believe that they cannot perform the task being asked.  They are more likely to change if you can show them that they can by providing them opportunities to prove you right.  The more they see themselves succeed, the quicker their motivation will change.

Secondly, get to know what your students' interests and strengths are.  You must determine how you will gain the students respect and trust and understand where they are coming from.  Talk to them, ask questions about school, their friends, and LISTEN.  Bring in articles about topics that they might be interested in.  That can lead to great discussion and allow them to feel comfortable opening up to you.

Third, less is more.  Don't move through a subject or school topic too quickly, you will lose the student and that could result in frustration.  Make changes to assignments to fit the curriculum to the student.  Forcing the student to always fit the curriculum makes changing the behavior more difficult. Maybe its only doing half of their math homework and coming back to the rest at a later point in the evening.  Spending too much time on one topic can create anxiety and aggravation, and not to mention boredom.

Lastly, do not think their behavior is anything against you, it has all to do with the student.   With perseverance from you, reinforcing your belief that they CAN succeed, and some patience, you will see that change is right around the corner.

So, to go with the theme of this entry, the word of the week is......

MOTIVATION

  ambition, inspiration