Motivating his/her students is a part of every teacher’s job. Most of the time, there’s usually at least one student who is just unmotivated, no matter how organized the class is. Isn’t it? And if it happens in a big group class, it can spoil the dynamic of the entire classroom. So, as a teacher, how can you improve this situation? Today’s blog will be a helping guide for ESL/EFL educators.

Generally, most ESL/EFL students have fundamental motivation to learn English already. The motivation can be business, academics, or something else. Therefore, they also want to engage in learning the language effectively. Buttoo much acclaim or extrinsic drive can truly hinder their learning. So, what to do?

Let’s find out!

Tips To Encourage Unmotivated Students

Let’s look at things you as a teacher can do to motivate them ---

• Focus On the Benefits of English as a Language

It has been seen that unmotivated students sometimes simply need to know why they are in your English class. Enlighten them to see the value of learning the English language; they may just catch the motivation. Let them know the benefits of English language learning which may include –

• Better work performance
• Better communication
• Promotions
• Upgradation
• Better jobs

And so on! Nowadays, companies also require their employees to attend English classes. This is becoming more prevalent in today’s experience. Celebrate their successes and help them see the positives of their education.

• Create astress-free classroom

As distress isn’t an effective reason, learners who are concerned about the anger of their teachers aren’t expected to bloom. Hence, try to support your most concerned students and learn what has grown their nervousness. Perhaps they have a domineering parent, maybe they are having a tough time at work, and so on. Make your teaching space a positive place by being helpful, positive, and eager.

• Give Constructive Feedback

We suggest considering feedback cautiously. The exact quantity, as well as the quality of feedback, is very important for counterfeiting the correct relationships with your learners.You’ll end up alienating your students if you spend an excessive amount of time correcting every error they make. Positive feedback is extremely critical. Furthermore, boost peer feedback and self-evaluation.

• Let Them Respond Without Disruption

Students must be allowed to respond without any disruption. You must find a way to deliver non-disruptive and subtle feedback. You can use the chat feature to accomplish that while teaching English online.

• Understand Well What To Say

As a teacher, you need to possess a clear understanding of what to say and what not to. You can try these ideaswhile communicating with your students ---

• You must be very proud
• You’ve worked so hard
• Great remembering
• You’re such a creative thinker
• You did it!

Have you ever wondered WHY your learners are unmotivated?

Or what are the possible reasons that make your students unmotivated?

Possible Reasons Students Are Unmotivated (In General) ---

• Tough Days
• Things That We Do Not Know
• Poor Learning Experiences
• Over-correction
• Micromanagement
• Classroom Culture

These are some of the reasons why learners may be unmotivated.

Final Thoughts

Certainly, several approaches can be used to re-join students in their education. Remember, each child is different, so there is no one method that fits well for all of them. Online courses in TEFL prepare the aspiring as well as existing TEFLers to manage the global classrooms more successfully.

Do you agree or disagree with these tips?

Written By : Sudeshna Guha Thakurta