Motivated and attentive pupils are every teacher's dream. Every day, the teacher has to try anew to interest their pupils in the subject and encourage them to participate. Each pupil brings their own individual learning style to the table, each has different interests and life experiences.
There are various methods to appeal to students' individual learning styles and thus make learning more entertaining and effective.

Expectation

 

The teacher should set achievable goals for each lesson. Expect your students to fulfil these goals and they will. Studies show that students achieve higher levels of success when their teachers have high expectations and believe in them.

Success

As a teacher, motivate the students by encouraging them and showing them that they can achieve something in every lesson. Cater to the needs of each student. For example, give one student more time to answer, give another a special task or respect the quieter student. Only apply pressure if it results in the achievement of a goal.

Importance of the subject matter

Motivation is usually lacking when students don't see any meaning in the subject matter. Show students why the subject matter is important in later life. Give the students a reason to learn.
Encourage the students to discuss the topic among themselves, gain experience and draw conclusions.

Questions

Ask questions about the topic that encourage the pupils to participate. Ask the students about their personal experiences and ideas on the topic. Let the students ask questions and answer them well.

Different learning styles

Use different teaching methods. Vary between class discussions, group work and teacher-pupil knowledge exchange. Refrain from lecture style, prolonged listening bores students and demotivates their brains. Give clear and direct instructions to the students and tell them clearly what is expected of them.

Reward

Rewards for goals achieved and expectations met are a very effective way of motivating pupils. However, do not necessarily reward individual pupils, but the whole class for good co-operation. Rewards can be as follows:
watch a film in class
Extra time in the computer room
Snacks
As a reward for the success of individual pupils, you can use a points or sticker system with which the pupils collect points that they can later exchange for prizes. Depending on the age group, coloured pencils, notepads or books are suitable prizes.

There are many ways to motivate pupils. The most important thing is to show students that they are good learners. If you cater to their individual needs, they will achieve their goals, which will further increase their motivation.