It is a sad truth that some high school students do not feel inspired to learn in school. This leads to not only lowered achievements but also an overall disinterest in learning.
While there are lots of school strategies to motivate students to focus on their subjects, many high schools in progressive areas like Salt Lake City continue to look for ways to inspire and encourage students to become more engaged in learning. Here are some strategies that teachers and instructors apply to make a difference.
Giving Students Control
Sometimes, teachers become too attached to their manual and modules that they forget about the capabilities of their students. They hardly ever track each student’s learning progress because of the unending list of to-do’s.
Some students begin to lose interest in learning when they cannot cope and feel overwhelmed with lessons and schoolwork. Teachers can counter this by allowing students to track their own progress with simple lists to empower and motivate them. Students who are in control of their learning become more interested and feel more accountable to deliver.
Focusing on Short-Term Goals in the Classroom
High school students may not care much about long-term goals because the future is a long time away for them. Teachers can focus more on visible and easy-to-reach goals.
This can be incorporated into learning activities like using writing prompts for better writing, reading aloud activities for low ability students. Teachers and students can become more engaged when they pay attention to their present actions and activities.
Using Passive Learning for Disengaged Students
Relying on positive attitude for students to learn will not work for those who are not interested or are disengaged. Students will absorb knowledge better when they are exposed to it via oral language and listening.
One way to use this is through instructional videos on different subjects to build background knowledge. Reading aloud to some students is rarely done in secondary students, but it is actually a great strategy to engage students to listen and learn.
Using the Power of Imitation
Teachers can ask students to copy and imitate good examples that they see around them. It is not teaching them to cheat; rather, it is a passive way of internalizing basic and social skills. Help them to learn from one another so that they can improve.
Coaching and Mentoring
Teachers are regarded as evaluators and judges of a student’s learning progress. To become their coach and mentor means that a student has a helping ally that will guide them to reach their goals.
Coaches and mentors will have tips to help the student excel, and if students trust their teachers as they believe their sports coaches, they will be more engaged in the learning process.
Student engagement is necessary for academic growth and development. Disinterested and disengaged high school students may be undergoing life changes that affect their ability to focus. Teachers can help students out by using strategies that will reverse disengagement and encourage them to love and own their learning.