Key points:
- Educators must support efforts that boost online student motivation
- Peer mentors, change of scenery, and spending time with students are important for online students
A student’s motivation in school is a key driver of their academic success. Yet, the demanding nature of high school classes, mixed with a teenager’s natural craving for independence and individual identity, can stand in the way of that motivation. COVID-19 took a toll on student motivation, and 80 percent of educators are still feeling the effects. Following the rapid and sudden shift to online learning, parents and educators remain concerned about keeping online students motivated and engaged.
As we move past the pandemic and rethink the role of online education, it’s vital to education reform that teachers remain focused on fostering student motivation.
Fortunately, online educators have been addressing this concern for years and have learned how to instill motivation among their students–even when not in a physical classroom. Here are my top tips to help educators foster motivation among students.
1. Take the time to get to know your students
It can be highly beneficial for educators to engage with their online students about their lives outside of school by asking about what they enjoy doing in their free time, their goals beyond school, and challenges that are consuming their time and energy.
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