Is motivating students one of your strengths? Read on to find a job interview question and answer specific to motivating students. As I am sure you know, this is a vital teaching skill. As a teacher, your response needs to show your knowledge, passion for motivating, and it needs to be concise.
The interview panel may ask this job interview question to candidates interviewing for a teaching position since keeping your students’ motivation at high levels is critical.
Be specific and try not to generalize; instead of talking about the importance of working with motivated students, explain precisely how you motivate students.
Build your credibility as a skilled teacher as you answer this question! Share examples of what worked for you with specific students or a group of students.
Based on research, motivation depends on the following things: the extent to which teachers can satisfy students’ need to feel in control of their learning and if they are competent and connected to the experience. Therefore, I suggest you discuss things you do that contribute to these dimensions.
Ideas for Motivating Students
Below is an answer to inspire you to create a response that works for you.
“I never belittle the importance of having a motivated team of individuals in the learning process. I keep in mind that if I give students enough control over their learning, help them become and feel competent, and offer support in helping them feel connected, I will create a synergetic learning environment in which they will be motivated to learn. As a result, the return on my investment will be successful, motivated students.”
“I motivate students to learn by:
– Setting high expectations
– Incorporating many instructional methods and activities
– Using students’ interests
– Teaching students to set attainable learning goals
– Monitoring student progress
– Providing constructive feedback
– Providing praise and positive encouragement
– Using role models & guest speakers
– Setting learning examples
– Instilling confidence in all students
– Providing a learner-centered classroom
– Thoroughly explaining learning objectives and activities
– Explaining the importance of learning a topic or skill
– Utilizing extrinsic motivators regarding rewards
– Sharing learning experiences with students, especially stories of problems or failures
– Forming student/teacher relationships – taking an interest in them as a person, not just academically
– Incorporating participatory activities
– Emphasizing self-discovery learning opportunities
– Emphasizing fun through educational games and activities
– Getting students to experience the lesson through field trips, manipulatives, videos, guest speakers, etc.
– And showing my enthusiasm for the subject matter. After all, if I’m not excited about what I teach, I can’t expect my student to be.”
“I’ve noticed that being in control of learning means that students should have significant input into the selection of learning goals and activities in and out of the classroom. Therefore, whenever possible, I allow them to determine rules and policies, set learning goals, select learning assignments, and decide whether to work in groups or independently.
Also, while somewhat inconsistent with cooperative learning principals, my experience shows that allowing them to select learning partners improves motivation. So, I sometimes let them do that.
I also try to think of assignments that challenge their beliefs and ideas. To foster competence, I like to create learning experiences that involve both creative and critical thinking, requiring them to define the task, set goals, and so on, right up to organizing, analyzing, and integrating the information.
Ultimately, I motivate students by providing a climate or culture of trust, concern, and a sense of community. I always put their birthdays on a database so I can wish them Happy Birthday. Moreover, I sometimes bring a treat to complement their progress. It works because I see that they appreciate my efforts and are coming to my class eager to learn.”
A response similar to this will demonstrate you understand the core principles of student motivation, course preparation, and fostering a classroom environment that is conducive to learning.
If this article has been helpful, please let us know by commenting and sharing below! As always, Candace is available to solve any of your job search issues. Reach out today!
