Looking for how to motivate teens to do their best.. PLEASE HELP?

Question

I am looking for methods on how to motivate teenagers. In specific I am looking from a teacher’s point of view and trying to seek some guidance in the tricky task of getting teenagers to be excited and enthusiastic about learning.

As a parent I am also looking for these same things.

So, in short, my question is this

As a teacher, how do I get kids to WANT to learn?

As a parent, how do I get kids to WANT to go to school and learn?


Thank you SOOOOOO much for the help!

Answer 1

Make the learning interesting. Design the learning experience to take advatage of the kids' "multiple intelligences".

Be enthusiastic about what you teach. I had a uni lecturer once who started the semester with "Hi, I'm _____, and I'm here because I love (the subject)". It's easy to be motivated about learning when you can see that the teacher is motivated about teaching it.

Give positive feedback. Offer rewards after-the-fact.

Create cognitive dissonance. Ask a question that may have an answer that is not immediately obvious, or that is counter-intuitive. Then give them the materials to find the answer for themselves (inquiry learning - but it is harder to do in some subjects than others, obviously).

Be animated! Give the students something to look at. Moderate your voice.

There are no strategies that will work 100% of the time, for all teachers and parents. Unfortunately, you can't make kids want to go to school and learn, because they will invariably be doing subjects at some stage that they would rather not do. It's just part of the way that schools operate. In senior, I suppose you can encourage students to do the subjects that they like, as they will probably have more intrinsic motivation to do well.

Answer 2

I am only a student, but I have had a few truly great teachers.

For teaching, remember that teenagers and preteens do not want to be treated like children.

Treat them with respect and dignity, and you will earn their respect.

Talk to them like friends, but make sure that you set rules and follow through with consequences, or they will walk all over you.

Present the subject matter in an interesting way! Use humor, including sarcasm. Remember, sarcasm is not over a teenager's head - almost everyone can appreciate a wise crack above the age of 12 or so.

As a parent:

Talk to your kids/teens about what they're learning. It sounds cliched, but it helps a lot if you show interest.

Remind them that school is important to their future, but DON'T be upset if they are trying their hardest and only earn B's and C's, especially if they show improvement. They will feel that it is "never good enough", and give up.

You can't make your child want to learn unless you're teaching them (and doing a good job, too.) But you can set rules that will motivate them to do well in school and realize it's not that hard - no parties/early curfew if grades are not above a certain standard, etc.

Answer 3

k. take it from me...Lots of candy, and parties,give us something to look forward to at the end of the semester, a pizza party, field trip, free day of doing nothing but chillin. dont threaten Bad idea that makes us want to do it more.. you wont be getting anywhere, and last detention is a break to us is doesnt do any good, we actually have fun in dentention and indoor suspension.. been there done that its more fun than class and you gotta good rebel story..hope this helps.

Answer 4

i think that obvious love ,caring & enthusisan. as a parent, i`ve always stressed, how i love to learn new things, reading is one thing ilove, my child-8 also loves to read (2 grades ahead)we have explored all kinds of nature,she, quite frankly retains much better than i do. at , i`ve always stressed that school was a privelege, because you get to learn, sometimes -it`s hard to grab , but once you do-you get it! rewards are good-heck we like em. as far as during my schooling, the teacher, who made the most impact on me,in litature,clearly loved her job & she seem to see a beautiful poetic side in me, that no one else had. she was always so loving, positive-gave a lot of positive reinforcement. forgive me, i`m tired & spell check isn`t working- the true me!

Answer 5

Well you could put it all into a video game. what really motavates me is telling me im about to fail. lessons outside with games fun little study games like jeopardy. class partys they have to work for. really just think your a kid a again thats whats to play.
for the parnets dont be passive be really into makeing them learn like no computer till your done your home work a routine is what really works.

Answer 6

REWARDS .. teens respond well to rewards (and threats .. like you get detention or cell phone taken away)


trust me this will motivate anyone

Answer 7

you get us to want to learn by acting gangsta and funny!one love one blood