Re: Get These Students Motivated!!!!!

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Get These Students Motivated!!!!!

by AP

Nov 30, 2010

I am working towards my degree in math education for the secondary grades. I would prefer to teach grades 7-10, but either way I will be happy just teaching! I have recently been becoming worried for when I do finally get into my own classroom. I am nervous that I am not going to be able to motivate my students enough to want to engage in mathematics. I know as a middle school and high school student, everyone around me dreaded going to math class, and I don't want my class to be like that! I realize that everyone has their stronger subjects, but I want my students to be motivated enough to enjoy coming to class, and at least trying their hardest. Even if a student is struggling, I want to be able to have them leave at the end of the year with a better outlook on the subject.

I do like the idea of encouraging the kids to relate what is being taught back to the real world. I feel that it may help them answer the common question, "why we are doing this."

I really appr...See More

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Lynn On 11/30/10, AP wrote: > I am working towards my degree in math education for the > secondary grades. I would prefer to teach grades 7-10, but > either way I will be happy just teaching! I have recently > been becoming worried for when I do finally get into my own > classroom. I am nervous that I am not going to be able to > motiv...See More

Jan 1, 2011

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Lynde Over the years, I've found that a good rapport with the kids is an incredibly SUPER technique for motivating students. (That is not to say it is the only technique--I don't believe that at all, although I know we teachers are under alot of pressure to buy into that. I don't--I've seen far too many students at my school who LOVE-LOVE-LOVE-LOVE their...See MoreOver the years, I've found that a good rapport with the kids is an incredibly SUPER technique for motivating students. (That is not to say it is the only technique--I don't believe that at all, although I know we teachers are under alot of pressure to buy into that. I don't--I've seen far too many students at my school who LOVE-LOVE-LOVE-LOVE their teacher and still won't even try to learn. But I DO believe that having a really enjoyable classroom atmosphere is a very important tool to stick into one's kit.) Every teacher needs to find their own "schtick" for achieving a good rapport with their students. The teacher next door to my classroom gets along SUPER-WELL with each and every one of his 80+ students, including the seriously deranged/hard-cores, simply by greeting them at the door with witty repartee and/or a mock fighting. He'll say something like, Hey Joe, drop and give me 50 push-ups just to give me a giggle. Joe will respond with Yeah, you do it first and show me how it's done. And Tom will come back with, Joe, ya' know, if I were to start my routine, you'd be standing in the hallway for the next 10 hours. All I'm asking of you is a mere 50. Joe grins, chuckles and comes into class with a glad heart. Or Tom will mock-punch a kid, and then say something like, good thing I like you--if I'd really laid it out you'd be on the floor right now. Again, Joe digs it, adores his teacher, and loves the class. Obviously, there's not very many school districts that would allow some of the things Tom says, and I'm not suggesting this for anyone else. I'm just saying that Tom found his schtick, it's worked for 20 years, and he has more students come back to say hello than you can count. He's super strict otherwise, runs a tight-ship--there's absolutely no down-time--he has never given the students a free-time in all the years he's been teaching. When the rest of us just give up because we have 1 or 2 students who came to class on some weird day (snow closes down country busses, special community events, funerals/wakes, etc.), Tom teaches his regular lesson--even it's just to one student. The kids don't care--they love him. The science teacher has almost equal success with her schtick being a very gentle, almost "mother-like" tone and approach. She "fusses" over the kids. Makes each and every one feel special and cared for. They adore her as well. Still another teacher is also revered simply because she expects and demands the highest possible thinking from her students. She teaches literature, and she doesn't mess around. She is very strict, no- nonsense, but polite--BUT, she insists upon very high level discussions over the readings and doesn't allow for anything else. The kids love it--or at least they RESPECT it and her-- they know she believes in them. And they work for her--they DO NOT refuse her assignments--not ever. My schtick I think is to be very professional when I'm actually instructing--no- nonsense. But I greet every student at the door every day, and I do it with a big "personal" smile on my face--I mention how cute their hair is today, or what a cool t-shirt, or something to a few of them. I also tell them "like it is." If you don't want to be treated as if you're ignorant, than don't act as if you are. If you want to get to college and STAY there, you need to practice and learn the skill we're working on today. I focus on instilling personal and cultural pride, and tying our topic into their lives or into national/international events. I tell them that they are the future leaders of their tribe, their reservation, our country- and they'd darn well better learn what they need to learn to make a good job of it--if not, I'll come back to haunt them. The kids seem to appreciate my "messages." I get excellent feedback from parents and kids, and I have less trouble than most of the other teachers with kids dragging their feet on an assignment. So, so far so good. The point is to find some way (your OWN way, not the above possibilities) that allows you to make it clear to the kids that they're in a safe place, that they're cared about and respected and that the lessons really actually (you said this yourself) are relevant to real life and their future. Hope this helps in some way.

On 11/30/10, AP wrote: > I am working towards my degree in math education for the > secondary grades. I would prefer to teach grades 7-10, but > either way I will be happy just teaching! I have recently > been becoming worried for when I do finally get into my own > classroom. I am nervous that I am not going to be able to > motivate my students enough to want to engage in > mathematics. I know as a middle school and high school > student, everyone around me dreaded going to math class, > and I don't want my class to be like that! I realize that > everyone has their stronger subjects, but I want my > students to be motivated enough to enjoy coming to class, > and at least trying their hardest. Even if a student is > struggling, I want to be able to have them leave at the end > of the year with a better outlook on the subject. > > I do like the idea of encouraging the kids to relate what > is being taught back to the real world. I feel that it may > help them answer the common question, "why we are doing > this." > > I really appreciate the words of wisdom, and I am sure I > will get some great ideas! > > Thanks in advance! AP

Jan 1, 2011

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mathteacher Students enjoy math class for one of two reasons - some students are naturally talented in math and they enjoy the operations and enjoy the fact that they 'get' math - they're naturally good at it and perhaps even naturally intrigued by it.

For those many students who aren't naturally good at math - the only reason they might enjoy math cl...See MoreStudents enjoy math class for one of two reasons - some students are naturally talented in math and they enjoy the operations and enjoy the fact that they 'get' math - they're naturally good at it and perhaps even naturally intrigued by it.

For those many students who aren't naturally good at math - the only reason they might enjoy math class is because of the teacher. If you want your math class to be a class that students look forward to coming to, you need to foster a classroom environment that's welcoming. Some teachers are quite cold in their manner - why would anyone look forward to going to a class taught by a teacher who is cold in their manner to students?

Also true is that many math teachers are themselves naturally good at math and have little to no sympathy for those students who don't 'get' math. Math is very hard some students - it's like a foreign language they don't speak and yes, such students get discouraged and withdraw from active participation in the class. That angers the teacher.

I'd recommend saying outloud and on the first day that you understand that not everyone enjoys math and also that not everyone easily understands math. Tell them - "that doesn't mean you're stupid. Lots of very bright people don't understand math and I'm here to help you understand it."

Tell them too you want your class to be one they look forward to - you want to teach in a way that makes math understandable.

That will set a good tone. Another approach is to never give homework on weekends or holidays - students and their families alike appreciate that and it can give the ones who are behind a chance to catch up. Bend over backwards to be fair in your practices and policies if you want kids to be motivated. > > I do like the idea of encouraging the kids to relate what > is being taught back to the real world. I feel that it may > help them answer the common question, "why we are doing > this." > > I really appreciate the words of wisdom, and I am sure I > will get some great ideas!

On the 'why are we doing this?' - it's required. Don't get into debates as to the value of math in real life. I've Never used the algebra I learned except to teach more of it. Commiserate with their frustration at having to do it but don't debate the value of it - it is required and if they want to graduate they have to do it. I tell them - one day when you're in charge of the world, you'll change the curriculum and math won't be required and I'll be out of a job."

That makes them laugh and then they get back to work. > > Thanks in advance! AP

Jan 3, 2011

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in these words Indeed - rarely have I seen it said so well but the truth is - each teacher has to find what works best for them because what works best for the teacher next door may not work for you at all. Think of it like actors - would we cast Owen Wilson as a bad guy? Few people can play every role and most teachers play one role well - older men can't 'fuss'...See More

Jan 3, 2011

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