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Teach English in Nantongshifumingang Zhongchuchang - Nantong Shi

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Motivation from the dictionary means the enthusiasm for doing something, a stimulus, or influence. The concept motivation derives from the Latin word “movere” which means “to move” (Hubert, 2006, p 481). The word motivation gets its origin from the root word "motive" meaning the reason we do what we do (McLean, 2006). Therefore, what motivates students and also teachers in the classroom? How to keep this motivation going? Students come from different backgrounds and cultures which will have different reasons to start learning a new language. Getting to know the reasons for the students to be learning English is the first step into the motivational trail of the lessons. Students may be studying English for career purposes, traveling purposes, to study or live in an English speaking country, or simply to communicate. While other students are assigned to learn because their parents want them to know another language which in turn portrays less motivation on their own. Giving the reasons for the students to be learning another language, how can they be motivated? There will come times they don't want to be in the classroom, they are tired, or had a bad day at work or school and still have to be there learning. To understand what the students' goals and interests are and what they do or do not like is important to help in the development of the lessons. To build a relationship with the students and know what their hobbies are and what they are good at help in the learning development process. There are a variety of activities that can be brought to the classroom to make it more enjoyable and interesting, once you know what the students may like or not. Some students will find it much more comfortable to leave the coursebook for a moment and perform a different activity based on real-life situations. As an example, we got to know the students` interests and how can the teacher motivate them in a way they enjoy and are interested in the lesson by bringing them fun and enjoyable activities out of the coursebook. However, are the students the only ones that need motivation? The teacher is the main source of the English language for the student in the classroom and represents an example of the language as some students have no other contact with the English language outside the classroom. If the teachers are not motivated, how can the whole class enjoy one lesson? It is not possible. For example, let's take a teacher that comes to class late, students are already waiting in the classroom, the teacher tells the students to open the book and start the activities by themselves. The teacher here is already not giving the students a good behavior example by arriving to class late and telling the students right away what to do without giving them any interaction or explanation. Now, let's think about a teacher that arrives to class before it starts, give him/herself time to prepare the necessary materials for the lesson, greet the students when they come, ask how they are doing and then start the class by guiding the students throughout the lesson. In this last example, we can understand that the teacher is creating rapport with the students and as well as a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for the lesson to happen. Teachers also need motivation, and their motivation affects directly how students will be motivated in the classroom. First of all, teachers must really enjoy what they are doing and care about their students` needs. In this way, they will be able to encourage and motivate the students when needed. Why is motivation so important? Motivation in the classroom is important because it makes the lessons flow and increases students' interest in doing the course and studying. A motivated teacher means motivated students. A motivated teacher will be able to create new lessons and give the students a variety of activities that will create a nice and enjoyable environment in the classroom. The teachers need to have in mind that different students will need different approaches. For example, children tend to be easily motivated because they are curious by nature, while young learners most of the time do not choose to pay attention and will need more motivation. Keeping motivation going in the classroom requires practice and knowing the right moment to encourage and support students also help in the motivation process. As stated before, getting to know the classroom and understanding the students as individuals will help them to be motivated by bringing different activities and constantly engaging with the students during the learning process. In conclusion, teachers should be part of the students` interests while creating a nice environment in the classroom which makes the students want to come and be present. Creating a good rapport with the students and encouraging them when needed will motivate them. When students are motivated, teachers are also enjoying the class. Teachers are giving the students the necessary stimulus for them to be learning English and making the lessons “move”.


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