Motivational strategies

Name
Instructor
Course
Date
Having a student who is belligerent and non-participative in class is a challenge to the teacher. What’s more, it is even demanding if he is smart and a voracious reader. Proper motivation and appropriate strategies can motivate him to be engaged in class.
Intrinsic motivation is indispensable in this case. Praise, encouragement, and pep talks are necessary, but they should be honest without sugar coating. Use “That’s a good work” instead of “Excellent!” Try not to praise him at all times but provide tasks for him to work on so that he will feel good about himself. Certainly, he will have pride over his work. Once his sense of autonomy has been set, occasionally ask him to lead a group instead of being a member only. This way his need for attention is addressed, his sense of responsibility is improved, and his focus is diverted to meaningful tasks. To further engage him in the class, support his competence by tapping into his interest. You may conduct specific interest grouping or allow him to work with others who have the same interest with him (Bleach, 2012). Since he is an avid reader, provide engaging reading group activities in class. Such activities may include close reading, guided reading, or small group reading. Lastly, building relationships among the students are intrinsically motivating for the non-responsive student. Peer to peer relationships create a healthy environment for him through these activities: role-play, tutoring, giving feedback, and reciprocal peer tutoring.

Dealing with bright, non-responsive students is easy for a teacher equipped with proper motivation and appropriate strategies. It poses a challenge for educators but is rewarding when addressed with the right attitude and timing.

Reference
Bleach, Kevan. (2012). The Newly Qualified Secondary Teacher’s Handbook: Meeting the Standards in Secondary and Middle Schools. New York: Routledge.