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How can you motivate students?
Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:34 pm
by Effie F.
I have to admit the ugly truth: here in Greece, most of the children learn English in private institutions because foreign language lessons in schools are inadequate. So, learning at a private school (where your parents pay for it) is the rule. And right now, I’m working in a private school. I started working a month ago and I’m desperate. I found out that most of the children don’t study. They may be smart but they have enormous problems with the language. Is it normal for a child who’s been learning English for four years to still be confused with present continuous and present simple? Not to mention that most of them are so bored that they rarely pay attention to what I’m saying. They don’t want to participate in class, they are so indifferent or tired of other activities. The only way of making them concentrate is by yelling. And while everyone’s advice is “just do your job. If they don’t want to learn, that’s their problem”, I can’t do that! It is my problem, I want them to have learnt things by the end of the year but I don’t know how to achieve that. If anyone can help, I would appreciate it.
Thanks in advance.
Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 5:06 pm
by Sally Olsen
We have discussed this is other forums, both elementary and secondary. Here is something to start you off
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/teacher/v ... t=motivate
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/teacher/v ... t=motivate
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/teacher/v ... t=motivate
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/teacher/v ... php?t=5711
I would also send a private message (pm) to Lliana who posted above and is also in Greece and has done what you are doing. She has excellent ideas and will emphathize.
Re: How can you motivate students?
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2006 1:06 pm
by JoelKindersite
This is precisely why I built the Kindersite project
http://www.kindersite.org and also how it is being used in schools including private lessons, globally.
At this young age it is difficult to concentrate and a strong motivator that engages is extremely helpful.
If you do try the Kindersite please let me know if it helps?
Good luck.
Joel
Effie F. wrote:I have to admit the ugly truth: here in Greece, most of the children learn English in private institutions because foreign language lessons in schools are inadequate. So, learning at a private school (where your parents pay for it) is the rule. And right now, I’m working in a private school. I started working a month ago and I’m desperate. I found out that most of the children don’t study. They may be smart but they have enormous problems with the language. Is it normal for a child who’s been learning English for four years to still be confused with present continuous and present simple? Not to mention that most of them are so bored that they rarely pay attention to what I’m saying. They don’t want to participate in class, they are so indifferent or tired of other activities. The only way of making them concentrate is by yelling. And while everyone’s advice is “just do your job. If they don’t want to learn, that’s their problem”, I can’t do that! It is my problem, I want them to have learnt things by the end of the year but I don’t know how to achieve that. If anyone can help, I would appreciate it.
Thanks in advance.