Five Ways to Motivate the Reluctant Learner

Educators can readily identify the student who seems to lack motivation. While generally not a behavior problem, the unmotivated student can cause many sleepless nights for teachers. Labels like “reluctant learner,” “shut-down learner,” or “academically discouraged student” are often used to describe this type of student. They may range from sullen and miserable to socially pleasant but share a common frustration with school. This student does just enough to get by but never enough to excel.

Often, these students have high potential but low confidence, rarely believing in their abilities and fearing failure. Causes of this behavior can include learning problems, peer pressure, and anxiety. So what can a teacher do? Here are five “To Do’s” to motivate the reluctant learner:

1. Present Relevant Content

Teach content that aligns with student interests and explain its value. Reluctant learners need to see how the material they are learning connects to their lives and why it matters.

2. Focus on a Student-Centered Environment

Design lessons that are meaningful and engaging. Integrate technology into the classroom in ways that resonate with students. For example, one teacher had students edit Twitter posts as part of a lesson. Student-centered environments help reluctant learners connect with the material.

3. Create a Specific Plan for Achievement

Develop a roadmap for students to achieve and feel positive about their accomplishments. Give students opportunities to resubmit assignments until they demonstrate mastery, providing constructive feedback throughout the process.

4. Focus on Strengths

Avoid emphasizing what the student cannot do. Instead, set clear expectations for what they can achieve. Highlighting strengths and setting attainable goals fosters confidence and motivation.

5. Encourage Choice and Collaboration

Allow students to choose how they approach assignments. For instance, a student might prefer to design an app instead of writing a book report. Cooperative learning activities can also be engaging, reducing the fear of competition and meeting students’ social needs.

Additional Strategies

Strong, effective teachers create opportunities for students to engage with the learning environment. Student-centered instruction responds to how students learn and values their interests. Incorporating real-life relevance, timely feedback, and collaborative activities can make learning more meaningful. Feedback should be plentiful, timely, and growth-oriented.

The reasons for a student’s reluctance to learn are complex, often tied to relationships with family, peers, and teachers. Honest conversations about performance, combined with high expectations and constructive feedback, can make a difference. The challenge of reaching the reluctant learner is immense, but the reward is profound.

“The sweetest part of life leads through the avenues of learning, and whoever can open up the way for another, ought, so far, to be esteemed a benefactor to mankind.” – David Hume