Restoring Motivation

Students who get behind are often labeled as "unmotivated" or "having a bad attitude." In fact, their behaviour is a response to the situation that they have found themselves in during the class time. Socially (or at recess) they see themselves as equal or superior to their peers. During class time, they do not see any way out of the hole that they have dug for themselves.

Why are they unmotivated?
It is easier and more comfortable to do nothing and fail than try to jump out of the hole that they have found themselves in.

solution:

outline a specific plan that will step by step move them out of the position that they find themselves in. They cannot get out in one big jump.

e.g.

• You can rewrite that chapter test that you failed for a better mark.
• Get caught up on the notes that you are missing in your notebook.
• This is how to study for the next chapter's test.
  
  

Why do they have a bad attitude?
The social behaviours that suit them well on the playground and gain them status and acceptance with their peers are not acceptable in the classroom. They try to bring what is successful for them outside of the class into the classroom.

solution:

make it clear what type of behaviour will gain them status in the classroom. Do not allow them to "have the stage" in front of their peers. If they keep looking for an audience, either remove them from the audience or move the audience.

Both of these behaviours occur when the problems a student encounters seem insurmountable. A tutor's job is to provide the support, the help and the plan that convinces the student that he or she can be successful.

Return to peer helping resources