Teaching for Success - Week 1 Motivating Learners

I've already done the first course on Teaching for Success programme. Now it's time for the second - Learning and Learners. I'm legging behind a bit but been able to cover Week 1 Understanding Learners. This is what I'm taking with me.

MOTIVATION
I've found out about different types of motivation for learning, based on the theories of American psychologist, Carl Rogers.

Intrinsic motivation — comes from the learner. The learning activity and the learning environment motivate the learner because they are a source of enjoyment or value. Intrinsic motivation must come from the learner. And our job as teachers is to create a suitable environment for this to happen.

Extrinsic motivation — comes from an external source, some kind of external benefit or reward. The potential negative consequences of not learning can also be motivating.

The better we understand our learners' motivations the more we can work towards providing a learning environment and activities that they enjoy, and which help them to achieve their goals.

So, getting to know learners is very important. Here are some ideas how to do that.
- a gift for the new students like a proverb just to make them feel that English is a nice thing
- group work to discuss students' interests, their needs, and even their problems within the small group. And then they will do the presentation for the things they would like to learn, or where their interests are, or what they expect teachers can help them in the future.
- a questionnaire of 10 questions about students' needs and interests
-  "tell them first about myself...Then get them to work into groups. Tell your friend who you are, the interesting things that you'd like your friend to know about you. And then the friend does the opposite as well. ... then they each get a chance to stand up and tell the whole class who their friends are".
Motivating teenagers

RAPPORT
Advice on building rapport and creating a good relationship with your learners.
Choose your attitude - You need to be friendly but professional. Remember that your students don’t want you as a friend, but want to respect you as a teacher. Show them from the outset that you expect them to work hard in your class, but that it can be enjoyable.
Use names
Listen to the messages in what your learners say, not just the English that they produce.
Avoid over-correcting - do not run the risk of damaging learner confidence and breaking down rapport. Correct supportively.
Show confidence - Your voice needs to be loud and clear. Stand straight in front of the class, and don’t hide behind a desk.

SPEAKING ACTIVITIES

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