Motivation and Teaching: A Practical Guide

Motivational techniques and strategies that may be used by teachers to strengthen student performance and reinforce positive attitudes toward learning are discussed and analyzed. The topic is divided into eight major factors for consideration: (1) why human behavior occurs, what is motivation, the mythology of motivation and learning, and the time continuum model of motivation; (2) perceptions and judgments that influence action, and student attitudes; (3) physiological and psychological needs; (4) connection of learning activities, variety, interest, and involvement; (5) humanizing education; (6) competence, awareness of progress and mastery, responsibility, and competition; (7) positive reinforcement; and (8) inventory of motivation strategies, basic motivation planning, and final comments. Case studies and examples of teacher-pupil interchanges are included in the discussion of each topic. (JD)