High school Students need motivation just as we need it. They give
off this air of being all grown up, but deep within they crave love
and recognition. You can help to motivate them by encouraging them
and assisting them in every possible way during math class. Remember
that this is a time where they are literally standing on the edge
of their future. They have so many important decisions to make.
Be positive
When you teach math, you have to be a motivation to the students.
When you feel positive towards math it will automatically spill over
to them and enthuse them to like math as well. Get excited about math!
Find a good reason
Help the student to find a good reason why they need to study math.
If they want to study in a certain field of expertise, help them to
see why math will help them to achieve their future goals. Do some
research with them.
Get students involved
Involve the students with exciting projects. Let them use every gift
and ability they have to conquer any math task they have. This will
give them a self start and motivate them to do it by themselves.
Teaching students how to learn
Some students came through the school system without learning the
concept of learning. Scratch that! Most students came through the
school system without learning the basic concept of learning. They
don't know how to take notes, study or apply what they have learned.
These are all basic things, but elementary for their success. Sometimes
we need to go back to basics in order to succeed. Teach them these
basic tools so that they can do math with success.
Success in motivation
To motivate a student to do math you need to remember that there
are different elements to use in doing this. Show them that they can
be successful in whatever they do. Many of them have already discovered
what it feels like to fail, and sometimes to be a failure. When you
start to show them that they can succeed this will built new hope
and helps them to be motivated to do math.
Curiosity
The biggest element of surprise is curiosity. Remember the saying,
"curiosity killed the cat". Well, use curiosity in your math class.
It will draw them and even drive them to higher levels. It will teach
them how to understand math concepts.
Originality
People like to be expressive. By being original in all their work
you can remove the number one obstacle when it comes to math. Fear.
When they learn to express themselves they will gain confidence with
math and it will be easier to do.
Relationships
Most students are under tremendous peer pressure. Create situations
where different groups can work together in order to relief that peer
pressure. The rich and the poor. The expressive and the introverts.
They can all learn something from one another.
Sharing knowledge
Students have a tremendous desire to share what they learn, and
they also have the ability to do it. Create situations where each
one can give a little of what they know. In this way they can teach
each other something about math and develop some verbal communication
skills as well.
Teamwork
Then last but not least, develop teams. Allow the students to be
a motivation to one another. Set them up in teams with the task of
motivating one another. To look out for one another. To be there for
one another. When we belong, we feel loved and can handle and cope
with anything life gives us. Motivate your students to become math
partners.