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Students need to feel motivated to learn to achieve success in their education. How do we help motivate students to learn? First, students must see the value in what they are learning (National Academy of Sciences, 2018). I start my lessons by explaining why they are learning this thing and why it is important. I help them see why they want to be here and why the pursuit of this knowledge will benefit them long past this classroom. When students see the value in what they are learning for themselves, then they are hooked. The hungry pursuit of knowledge comes when we see that what we are learning will lead to something we want.
In the pursuit of knowledge, students must also have goals that they have set and desire for themselves. Setting attainable goals and reaching these goals gives students a feeling of success and the desire to pursue future goals (National Academy of Sciences, 2018). Once a student knows what they want, they should set milestones to achieve their goals. Additionally, students become motivated or disengaged based on their circle of influence. Who students admire and see as peers can determine their personal motivation and courage to step forward in their learning (National Academy of Sciences, 2018).
Lastly, we must give students creative freedom to explore in their own learning process (Guara, 2016). Students should be allowed to investigate and create through their own interests and findings. Allowing students creative freedom builds a stronger more creative mind that can think for itself, and problem solve using their own resources and base of knowledge.
Motivation stems from self-desire being fueled by achievable goals with peers and mentors who have a positive drive to move forward with learning. As educators we are mentors on our student's path to achieve success in their education. When engaging students in a creative learning process we should use ISTE standard 6a Foster a culture where students take ownership of their learning goals and outcomes in both independent and group settings (ISTE, 2017). By allowing students to create the framework for their own learning, they become fully engaged and motivated to expand their learning further still.
References
Gura, M. (2016). Make, learn, succeed: Building a culture of creativity in your school. Eugene,
ISTE Standards for Educators (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.iste.org/standards/for-educators
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2018). How people learn II: Learners, contexts, and cultures. Washington, D.C.: The National Academies Press. http://doi.org/10.17226/24783
