Motivation: What makes us tick?

I believe that motivation is the key to success not only in the classroom, but in life itself.

In school, if students are not motivated and engaged in a lesson, they will be less likely to deeply grasp the lesson or take much away from it. When motivation is lacking, investment is not there. We must figure out how to motivate our students. How do we go about doing this? In a study completed by Guthrie, Tabaoda, Tonks, and Wigfield, the authors examined nine components of reading motivation: interest, preference for challenge, involvement, self-efficacy, competition, recognition, grades, social interaction, and work avoidance (Guthrie et al, 1999). I think it is important that we look at motivation in separate parts. In doing this, we can see different things to focus on in our own classrooms.

For example, in my classroom, I focus on interest, social interaction, and competition. Although I would love to focus on all aspects of motivation, I have found that these three components work best with my middle school students. How do I do this?

1. I make SSR time a priority. I spend time surveying my students interests and hobbies. I get to know their families and their backgrounds. Along with their interests, I administer informal reading assessments. In doing this, I can better match them with books that will interest them and challenge them.

2. My students complete literature circles, idea circles, book chats, book critiques, and book talks in order to have time to talk, laugh, and review books.

3. We have friendly competitions, which my students love. We compete with: pages read, activities completed, etc.