To prepare to teach students with different developmental needs, teachers must be able to connect with and motivate students. A student’s needs, cognitive development, and sociocultural environment play a large role in developing motivation. Educators must also understand how their beliefs and behaviors can promote or hinder student motivation.
Identify three basic human needs that need to be met for students to develop motivation. Explain how meeting and not meeting these needs affects motivation and engagement.
Explain how sociocultural and cognitive factors can affect student motivation and engagement in the classroom. Describe how teachers can address and overcome these factors in the classroom.
Provide two examples of teacher attributes that promote student motivation and engagement, and two examples that may hinder student motivation and engagement.
Full Answer Section
When students' basic needs are not met, they are less likely to be motivated and engaged in learning. They may be more likely to withdraw from class, daydream, or disrupt the learning of others. They may also be more likely to give up easily.
How sociocultural and cognitive factors can affect student motivation and engagement in the classroom:
Sociocultural factors such as a student's culture, language, and socioeconomic status can affect their motivation and engagement in the classroom. For example, students who come from cultures that value education are more likely to be motivated to learn. Students who are fluent in the language of instruction are also more likely to be motivated and engaged in learning.
Cognitive factors such as a student's prior knowledge, learning style, and attention span can also affect their motivation and engagement in the classroom. For example, students who have a strong foundation in the material are more likely to be motivated to learn. Students who learn best in a particular way are also more likely to be motivated and engaged in learning.
How teachers can address and overcome these factors in the classroom:
Teachers can address and overcome sociocultural and cognitive factors that affect student motivation and engagement by being aware of these factors and making accommodations as needed. For example, teachers can provide support for students who are learning English as a second language. They can also provide different learning activities for students with different learning styles.
In addition, teachers can create a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel safe and respected. They can also provide opportunities for students to work together and collaborate on projects. This can help students feel like they belong and are part of a community.
Two examples of teacher attributes that promote student motivation and engagement:
- Positive attitude: Teachers who have a positive attitude about learning and teaching are more likely to create a positive and motivating learning environment.
- High expectations: Teachers who have high expectations for their students are more likely to motivate them to succeed.
Two examples of teacher behaviors that may hinder student motivation and engagement:
- Unfairness: Teachers who are unfair or inconsistent in their expectations can hinder student motivation.
- Criticism: Teachers who are overly critical of their students can also hinder motivation.
Sample Answer
Three basic human needs that need to be met for students to develop motivation:
- The need for belonging: Students need to feel like they belong and are accepted by their peers and teachers. When students feel like they belong, they are more likely to be motivated to learn and participate in class.
- The need for competence: Students need to feel like they are capable of learning and succeeding. When students feel competent, they are more likely to be motivated to take on challenges and persevere in the face of difficulty.
- The need for autonomy: Students need to feel like they have some control over their learning. When students feel autonomous, they are more likely to be motivated to learn and take responsibility for their own learning.
How meeting and not meeting these needs affects motivation and engagement:
When students' basic needs are met, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in learning. They are more likely to pay attention, participate in class, and ask questions. They are also more likely to persist in the face of challenges.