As a school head, we also serve as instructional leaders. One of the aspects of the teaching and learning process that we must give emphasis and importance to our co-teachers is the understanding of the role of motivation. MOTIVATION is a bag of tricks every teacher should possess to ensure effective teaching and learning process. It is a driving force that impels one to react. It is described as an inner urge that moves a person. In teaching, it is the students and teachers’ rationale or purpose which originates from the self to undertake a learning activity.
It energizes, directs and sustains behavior toward learning. It makes the learner interested in learning and sustained the learner in keep on learning. Motivation inspires teachers to be effective.
When I was teaching Foundation of Education in Limay Polytechnic College, I clarified to my students that there are two (2) types of motivation:
- INTERNAL MOTIVATION- also known as intrinsic motivation. It originates from the students’ inner selves or from factors inherent from the task itself. For example, the learner is engaged in learning activity because he is interested and enjoys the activity because he knows the importance of learning.
- EXTERNAL MOTIVATION- also called extrinsic motivation. It originates from the students’ learning environment or from the factors external to the students and not related to the task at hand. Reward and incentives are samples of this type of motivation. For example, a medal for first place winner, a certificate for being well-behaved.
These are some of the suggested activities that can increase the motivation to learn among our students.
- Use varied teaching strategies
- Use short stories, recite poem or a short contest
- Have a good sense of humor
- Maintain a pleasing personality
- Plan lessons that will arouse curiosity
- Introduce educational games
- Provide manipulation of tools and equipment
- Employ film showing
Teaching and learning process can be effective if the right choice of motivating techniques were tapped by the teachers and as school heads we can help improve this skill of our teachers though LAC sessions and highlighting the best practices of other teachers.
By: ANGELITO A. PASCUAL Teacher I, Luakan National High School
