Motivation and relationship-based classroom activities

1.DESCRIPTION:

To develop theoretical and practical skills concerning motivation and learning to use classroom activities that inspire relationships and motivation. Suggestions for games and activities that enhance such relationships.

2. CONCEPTUAL BACKGROUND:

A trusting relationship between teacher and students has a positive effect on the students’ motivation to work hard and to learn.

“ When the teacher and the students have trust in each other the relationships allow each student to be met in a way that is the best for him or her, i.e. according to each student’s needs. This study also hints that a trustful relationship seems to be necessary in creating opportunities for the student to learn and to believe in his or her own ability…”(Swedish researcher Annica Lilja, Gothenburg university)

Good practices and research show that the relationship that the teacher creates in the classroom between teacher-student is extremely important for learning and developing positively. It diminishes dropouts and creates active learning students. A good teacher inspires to learn and gives the student the confidence that they can make it and move forward. (Annica Lilja, Jana Söderbergh, Lev Vygotsky)

But there is also proof that the relationship between the students and the atmosphere in the classroom is crucial for students to feel safe and happy and it also increases learning and creates a good learning atmosphere. This course will help you to practice some of those activities that would help create such a classroom. It is not the only answer but this type of activities and actually taking some time from the ordinary curriculum has shown to pay a lot in return in forms of results and satisfied students.

The best results with students would be gained when you work regularly (for example in one hour a week) with activities, games and when you take time to have discussions and mentoring dialogues and really show that you care for your students. You can help them see their potential, help them understand different school activities and tasks. Help them with goal setting and studying strategies such as how to handle homework and how to organize studies at home. These hours would preferably be organized in a different setting than the ordinary teaching setting, music, some snacks maybe and trying to create a warm atmosphere. These hours will be a chance for the teacher to get to know the students outside the ordinary teacher-student-role and it creates a personal good feeling for everyone. (With inspiration from www.starforlife.org and www.motivationslyftet.se)

In this course we have chosen a couple of activities that you will practice with the teachers/adults first before doing them with your students. There are a lot more activities and games that you can find but here are a few. Remember that it is important to be personal but not private, create a good atmosphere where no one laughs at each other, where you inspire to behave and you do not tolerate any bullying – these activities must be chosen only if the atmosphere can be proven to be totally safe – if not – you have to choose other activities. Be also aware of the problems that can be created with competition and try to tone down that part. The games should be fun and every one must leave the session feeling happy and seen.

3. OBJECTIVES:

1. To learn some basic theory behind motivational factors and relationship based activities
2. To learn the skills of using and practising such activities in the classroom
3. To make teachers feel aware and comfortable of the meaning of conducting such activities regularly

4. CONTENTS:

• Background theories of motivational factors
• Practical activities – you participate yourself first and learn – then you lead your students in the same activities

5. METHODOLOGY:

This course combines lecturing with workshops , individual work and pair-work

6. RESOURCES:

• Computer and projector
• Power point presentation, which will include the core of the information
• Worksheets
• Music
• Cards
• Snacks 

7. TIMING:

First training session -teachers experience sessions with such activities and theories behind (3-4hours)

Second training session – execute sessions with students (1 hour)

Third training session -evaluate sessions with students (1 hour)