MOTIVATING+LEARNERS

= = == //Image 1- Man on mountain (Oct 24, 2011)// = **Motivating Adult Learners** =

==== **As humans, from the time we are born, we are always learning and doing. Learning is necessary for our growth intellectually and emotionally. As children, motivation is something that comes to us naturally, as we discover the world around us and how we operate in it. As adults, set in our ways of the world, sometimes we need that extra "push".** ==== ==== **Where does the motivation to learn start, then, for adult learners? The desire to improve one's circumstances or better oneself, through further education or a career change, is what may trigger an adult to enter a learning environment. Both instrinsic and extrinsic motivation would be influences for the adult. Or perhaps someone has a thirst for knowledge, and wants to succeed at any task presented to them. The motivation to learn something new, for the sake of learning itself, is intrinsically driven in this case. Upon re-entering the classroom, the adult learner then may look to the instructor for cues on how to stay motivated.** ====

**According to** Raymond J. Wlodkowski **, there are four components that an instructor can include in their practice, in order to facilitate a motivational learning environment (1993, p.17). These are:**

**__//Expertise//:__ The instructor is a source of information that will benefit the learners. These learners are "goal-oriented", and want to apply the instructor's knowledge.** **__//Empathy//__: The instructor is aware and identifies with the situations of the learners, and demostrates this consideration.** **__//Enthusiasm//:__ This is displayed by passion for the subject being taught, and by commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise.** **__//Clarity://__ People learn best when they understand the information being passed on to them. The information is smooth and easy to follow.**

More of Wlodkowski's ideas can be found on his personal website **: [|Wlodkowski]**
==== **The Instructor is a mentor, coach, and facilitator. As such, instructors have all eyes in the class focussed on them during the lesson. Presentation and delivery are part of the teaching role. To help advance motivation while being the focus of the students attention, the instructor can incorporate some of Wlodkowski's "Strategies for Stimulating Learners" as found in //Enhancing Adult Motivation to Learn// (1993, p. 152-7):** ====

**__Body Movement:__ Use the directions and variations in the room, as much as allowed. Try to be close to the learners, as this grabs their attention.**

**__Body Language:__ Gestures and animation are useful to engage the class, and let them feel your enthusiasm for the material.**

**__Voice:__ Tone, pitch, and emphasis are vital parts of the presentation to create good effect.**

**__Pauses:__ This can be used to "capture attention", change topics, or "create suspense".**

**__Eye contact:__ The more that is used by the instructor, the more the student feels they are being "talked with", rather than just being "spoken to".**

**__Creating Anticipation__: Again, the instructor's enthusiasm is contagious.**

**__Relating to Current Events:__ This brings the relevance of the material presented, and enforces that it is useful.**

**__Connecting Learning Activities:__ Instructors often present a wide variety of information, in a wide array of formats. The instructor can make sure the instructions are clear, and use organizational aids such as handouts and outlines.**

**__Review and Closure:__ This gives the learners a "sense of completion", which in turn results in a feeling of satisfication at achieving their learning goals.**

=== Learners, when they have self-confidence, feel better about learning, and the result is that better learning outcomes are achieved (Ortaciogul, 2008). So, the instructor not only can motivate their students, but also build their students confidence along the way. Of course, it is important for the instructor to be confident, as well! ===

** Some information on building confidence in students, and in oneself as the instructor, can be found here: **

 * ==** [|Confidence] tips for teachers. **==

** Other useful links on Motivation : **

 * ==** [|A quiz on Motivation] **==
 * ==** [|Motivational Psychology Quiz] **==

** Other Strategies that Instructors can incorporate: **
MOTIVATION & EDUCATION ==**Links on "Inclusion": Students, with their rich and diverse cultural backgrounds, are often one of the instructor's reasons for doing the work they do. Here are some links for creating a classroom environment that enhances the needs of all students, no matter their cultural or social background. **==

** [|Inclusion] **
= =

== To wrap things up, the instructor has the special role of motivating their students. Students look up to their teachers for guidance, correction, and inspiration. An inspired classroom starts with an inspired teacher, and from there amazing things happen! ==