Motivation in the Classroom

Motivation is very closely linked to student success in the classroom. When they are motivated, they put in the effort and really try to succeed, seeing that they have goals that are worth working towards. To help keep students motivated, the curriculum needs to be weaved with content that they can relate to, or presented in a way that will keep them engaged. Using technology is a great way to keep students engaged. Because it is something that is very prevalent in our culture, students are able to link their daily lives with their academics in a positive, fun way. Giving students options is also important in keeping them motivated. As Howard Gardner has proven with his theory of multiple intelligences, students individually have different of ways in which they best understand and present information. Incorporating each student's learning styles is key in providing each student with the opportunity for success. Another way to keep students motivated is to offer them variety in the curriculum. Similar to incorporating all learning styles, making sure they constantly have new ideas and techniques being brought to the table is very important in keeping them interested, and therefore more motivated to keep doing the work.