Learner Motivation
Have you ever asked yourself, "Can I really motivate my learners, or can I only create the right conditions to inspire motivation?" Let’s explore what motivation is and how we can enhance it.
What is Motivation?
Motivation explains why people think and act the way they do. It’s a dynamic process that determines how much energy and focus we give to a task. According to Wlodkowski & Ginsberg (2018), motivation is purposeful, connects emotion to action, and is deeply influenced by culture. When learning aligns with a student’s values and feels meaningful, their motivation grows.
Enhancing Motivation with Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT)
The CRT framework highlights four key conditions that enhance motivation in learners. These conditions:
- Build inclusive learning communities.
- Promote positive attitudes.
- Enrich meaning.
- Create a sense of competence.
These strategies can be adapted across teaching formats, including in-person, hybrid, online, and large classes, making them flexible tools for learner success.
Ready to explore these strategies? Read about actionable tips below!
The Oxford dictionary defines motivation as the reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way. The Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) framework can be used to help plan and facilitate your course with the purpose of enhancing motivation for learners.
Establishing inclusion is a foundational condition enhancing learner motivation. Although there is not a single definition for inclusivity, inclusive pedagogy involves embracing diversity and creating learning environments that are both respectful and connected.
When learners have a positive attitude, their motivation is likely to increase. Providing choice (also a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principle) and explaining the relevance of the learning to learners’ lives are two ways that develop a positive attitude.
When learners attach meaning to their learning, learning makes sense, promotes motivation and engagement is likely to occur. Humanizing your course, promoting metacognition, and using humor are just a few examples of how to enhance meaning.
Allowing learners to demonstrate their learning in multiple ways is another condition found in the CRT framework and is a UDL principle that cultivates learner motivation. Engendering competence during the teaching process involves shifting the focus from grades to actual learning.
Motivation promotes learner engagement and engagement can perpetuate motivation. Engagement can be displayed through the interaction of cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions. Engagement does not look the same for every learner; therefore, a variety of active learning techniques and assessment techniques are imperative for learner success.
References:
Wlodkowski, R. J., & Ginsberg, M.B. (2018). Enhancing adult motivation to learn: A comprehensive guide for teaching all adults (4th ed.). Jossey Bass.
Further Reading & Resources:
Tips on How to Foster an LGBTQIA+ Classroom
Learner Success - Food for Thought
Teaching Style and Content Delivery
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