Re-Energizing Students' Motivation

INTRODUCTION: I teach transfer as well as developmental level English courses. I’ve been most disturbed by the attrition rate of both my under-prepared and bright students. Half way through one recent semester of my Developmental English class (pre-Comp I), I noticed the original energy of the students was slipping, absences were increasing, and more homework was coming in late. So I needed an activity that would give these students a chance to re-energize themselves for the “last lap.” I developed an assignment that would give my students an opportunity to delve deep into what could motivate them to continue working hard and achieve success. Although I used this activity in a composition course, variations of it (such as a letter or journal entry) could be used in any course where the instructor is seeing students’ motivation and efforts flagging. I suggest using it between the sixth week and mid-semester.

PURPOSE:

• To re-energize student motivation to achieve an academic goal
• To help students discover their own personal steps to achieve an academic goal
• To inspire more responsible student behavior and class participation

SUPPLIES/SET UP:

• Handout A: “Steps to Achieve a Goal” (appended below)
• Chalk and chalkboard to note rough outline or essay “plan” suggestions
• Pen and paper to begin the essay (or appropriate supplies if teaching in a computer lab)
• Colored paper half sheets for a “New Changes” Reminder/Bookmark (optional)
• Handout B: “Initial Feedback” (appended below)
• Handout C: “End-of-Semester Feedback” (appended below)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Explain that midterm is the time of the semester when many students lose sight of their academic goals, lose motivation, and stop taking actions necessary for college success. Offer specific examples from behaviors of past students. Suggest to students that now would be a good time for them to take a look at a key goal they have for college this semester, reminding themselves of their personal motivation for succeeding.

2. Distribute Handout A: “Steps to Achieve a Goal.” Have students fill in the blanks.

3. Distribute the colored half sheets and then, based on question # 7 of Handout A (Steps), have students complete a “New Changes Reminder/Bookmark” that they can keep in their textbook or post at home for frequent review.

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Source: --Regina Popper, On Course Website