Organizational Learning Skills
A Student Guide to
Motivation
Do you sometimes have a hard time convincing yourself to do certain homework or learn new material? Chances are, you are not motivated. Lack of motivation--an internal desire to learn new ideas or accomplish tasks--is perhaps one of the largest obstacles to student success. There are ways to become more motivated, however, and to make learning more interesting.
Factors That Affect Motivation
| 1. | Learner Control/Involvement: | Students who feel in control of their education are more motivated than those who feel controlled. Take charge of your education by (politely) mentioning what you'd like to learn. |
| 2. | Learner's Interests: | Students are more motivated to complete tasks that relate to their interests. If a task does not relate to your interest, make it relate by asking yourself offbeat questions that tie the different ideas together. |
| 3. | Adult Involvement: | When adults take an active role in students' educations and lives, students become more motivated. Ask adults you like to help you learn what you need to know to reach your goals. Sometimes adults do not get involved because they think they are not needed. Let them know you would like their help. |
| 4. | Feeling Valued: | Students who feel valued are more motivated than students who feel unappreciated. If no one else has told you about your good qualities, lately, make your own list. It is okay to give yourself a pat on the back, sometimes. |
| 5. | Learning Skills: | Students who use learning skills like time management are more motivated than students who do not. If you already know about these skills, start practicing them. If you do not, ask an adult to tell you about them. |
Increasing Motivation
- Design your own learning area at home.
- Introduce yourself to adults with interesting careers and ask them what they needed to know to get their jobs. Ask if you can spend a day with them, watching what they do.
- Ask your teacher if you can create your own assignments that cover the same material that your classmates are learning but match your interests.
- Identify classes you would like to take that your school does not offer and talk to teachers and principals about starting at least one of these classes or letting you take it on your own.
- For more ideas, read:
Galbraith, Judy. The Gifted Kids Survival Guide. Minneapolis: Free Spirit,
1983.
Delisle, James, and Judy Galbraith. The Gifted Kids Survival Guide II.
Minneapolis: Free Spirit, 1987.
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