The Importance of Motivation in the Classroom Essay

The Importance of Motivation in the Classroom It is first important to understand how motivation works in the classroom. There are infinite procedures teachers use to achieve desired effects from their students, but there are general patterns these motivational tools follow. In order for teachers to communicate with their students, they must identify with their needs on an individual basis (Gawel, 1997). This proposal is much akin to Maslows Hierarchy of Needs, which states five basic needs that must be met in order to achieve full motivation. These needs, in ascending order, are as follows: physiological, security, love and belongingness, esteem and self-respect, and self-actualization (Gawel, 1997). Each of these needs details a†¦show more content†¦feelings. It is because of this that teachers must always use appropriate criticism and praise with suitable language. Teachers must also be careful to assert authority; however, they must also respect students for their efforts. If each of these issues is achieved, studen ts can reach self-actualization, which consists of effort put forth by the student via the teachers? previous efforts in the classroom. A student who fails to achieve any of the previous four needs may not be motivated to continue in the academic setting because of the connotations of frustration and distrust. It is because of this complex psychological theory that teachers can stumble over different types of motivation. A teacher may have to adopt a different plan for each student because needs vary so greatly. However, there are general patterns a teacher can follow in order to find a common thread between certain students and their motivational applications. Students are either motivated intrinsically or extrinsically. Younger students tend to be motivated by the prospect of receiving a physical treat for their efforts, such as a pizza party or candy. More mature students who have outgrown this phrase adhere to intrinsic motivations of good grades and esteem from teachers and parents. Both types of motivation have their flaws: Alfie Kohn suggests that extrinsicShow MoreRelatedMotivation for Students in the Classroom1484 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction As educators we need to constantly strive to maximize the potential of our students. In my opinion one of the most effective ways to maximize learning is to motivate in the classroom. Even though most educators would agree that motivation in the classroom is an effective strategy to maximize learning as a whole we do not emphasize and use this strategy enough. 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