Motivating Reluctant Learners
Motivating Reluctant Learners
As I am currently teaching a ‘Reluctant Learner’ I began to do a little research as it is a challenging issue amongst Educators and Parents. So I though I would write my own take on it.
It isn’t too difficult to identify children who lack motivation and are reluctant learners, the question is how to help them. How can we as educators, teachers and parents help this type of student?
To begin with it is important to understand that being a reluctant learner is not a behaviour problem although it can cause many sleepless nights! Children and teenagers show a mix of characteristics. They may appear sullen, miserable or socially pleasant. However they have one shared very telling characteristic in common – a frustration with school! They are simply not interested in school. They will avoid tasks and do just enough to get by but never enough to excel.
According to Joyce M.Herzog, a teacher and author of many educational products, a reluctant learner “is not interested in life at all, is not interested in what you are teaching, and is not able to learn in the time-frame or manner of presentation”(2002)
Despite this, reluctant learners are in fact very capable and often have a high degree of potential. Sadly their confidence levels are practically non-existent, they rarely believe in their potential, they don’t see their own abilities and are most fearful of failing.
What causes a reluctant learner’s unmotivated behaviour?
Learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD and Autism as well as anxiety, attachment issues and unmet needs are just some of the issues that cause a student to become reluctant or unmotivated to learn. Many of these students are unfortunately often seen as disadvantaged, lazy, and beyond help when it comes to learning in a typical school setting.
So what can educators, teachers and parents do?
Helping these students is more about the heart than the head. Emotions drive learning. The way you make your students feel takes precedence over the knowledge you impart. Bearing this in mind what kind of strategies can have a positive impact on this type of student? I recommend that you begin with these ‘12 Tips’
Be interested in the student. Know what their interests and hobbies are and ask questions. Provide learning materials that are relevant and show how what they are learning is valuable.
Integrate technology – Leanring doesn’t just have to be writing in an excercise book. Make their environment fun and relevant. Give them tasks such as editing twitter and facebook posts. Use Siri to dictate, Google to search for things or get them to write a blog on a topic of their choice.
Involve student’s in checking and evaluating their work
Be Positive! Have positive expectation and never say what a student cannot do
Set Goals that are achievable.
Empathize with them
Simplify tasks and Chunk information – break down tasks and have regular short breaks
Regular breaks – This can be anything from a toilet break to watching a 5 minute YouTube video
Be enthusiastic about their work – give them something for them to look forward to once their work is done
Communicate with other parents and teachers if you have any concerns or worries.
Check in with them and really listen!– Ask them what’s wrong? How they are feeling today? Be accepting and non-judgemental, don’t embarrass, humiliate and make fun of them. Encourage them to discuss their concerns and worries, what’s behind the unwillingness to learn?
Be fair with home and school rules. Discipline major infractions and deal with minor infractions in a non-confrontational manor – ie: one on one.
If you need further advice or you feel the support of a Private Tutor might help please get in contact.
