If we fail to engage our students’ minds in what we are trying to explain, it will be difficult to keep their interest, which can lead them to easily become distracted and not understand the lesson.

Motivation is a fundamental pillar in the learning process, especially in Key Stages including Secondary or Sixth Form, where students go through a crucial phase in their academic and personal development. To maintain their interest, it is important to implement strategies that stimulate their curiosity, encourage active participation, and directly involve them in their learning. Factors such as the use of dynamic methodologies, practical examples, and connecting content to their daily lives can make a difference in their level of commitment. Moreover, creating a positive and participative atmosphere in the classroom will help them feel more motivated and develop a proactive attitude towards studying.

 

Key strategies to motivate students in the classroom and encourage active participation

What can a teacher do to encourage class participation when students are reluctant to participate and engage? Whilst there are no absolute guarantees or magic remedies, there are guidelines and strategies that can motivate students to become avid learners themselves.

 

1. Make the lesson relevant to them

Let the students start by expressing their ideas. Let’s ensure their opinions and concerns have a place in the classroom and allow this to open a debate amongst students so they learn the importance of backing their opinions with data, making them see that these are not just useful but necessary.

Interactive, collaborative learning based on experiences is what we should aim for in our classroom. Instead of just delivering the lesson, assigning homework, and moving on to another topic, let’s ask ourselves what interests and concerns today’s students. Only then can we awaken their curiosity and desire to learn, as well as their sense of competition.

 

2. Apply a gamification strategy

One practical approach is to introduce gaming dynamics in the classroom. This doesn’t mean students will simply ‘play’, but rather applying the mechanics known as gamification.

Gamification involves applying gaming mechanics in non-game environments. This learning technique aims to provide a new perspective on classroom tasks. It aims to engage students more deeply, helping them assimilate and understand knowledge better, thus improving their skills. A model based on gaming and focused on education can be helpful as it allows students to internalise knowledge in a more enjoyable way, resulting in a positive experience for all.

Proposing missions, challenges, and other academic tasks that resemble a game for students can be a very useful tool for achieving objectives. Here are some gamification tools that may be interesting for working with students.

 

3. Provide support but also autonomy

Encouraging a ‘self-directed’ learning approach where students have some autonomy can be beneficial for reluctant learners. However, guiding students’ academic development to show them the path forward is also essential and within the teacher’s control.

Humans are more motivated when they have a voice in decision-making. A teacher can always offer choices to students so they have some freedom in studying something specific, provided they can later explain what they have learned in their own words and reasoning. If a teacher has enough confidence in their students to give them some autonomy, students should be able to demonstrate maturity and responsibility in completing tasks like adults.

 

4. Promote collaborative learning

Collaborative learning is a great strategy to follow and can also be very useful as a means of integration amongst students. However, collaboration goes beyond two students sharing a desk and working on an activity together.

True collaborative work should be based on productivity and the design of practical teachings that will work in real situations, providing them with the necessary tools to carry them out.

If we promote this type of learning, we should also consider pairs or work groups and change them periodically. This way, students will have the opportunity to work with all their classmates rather than just their friends’ small work groups. Throughout the academic year, they will have had the opportunity to work together, considering all classmates as equals.

 

5. Establish a positive teacher-student relationship

A good start in building a proactive relationship between teacher and student is to attend to students effectively through personalised attention that connects with each student.

By showing genuine interest in their education and establishing this connection through guidance tailored to each of them, we will receive in return the students’ interest as they feel valued and their sense of belonging increases.

 

How to create an educational environment that fosters motivation and participation

At British School Valencia, we believe that the key to meaningful learning lies in combining innovative methodologies and an environment that inspires curiosity and participation.

Fostering motivation in the classroom not only involves capturing students’ attention but also providing them with tools to become first-hand learners. Through strategies such as gamification, collaborative learning, and guided autonomy, we create an environment where each student feels valued and finds inspiration to excel.

In our private school in Valencia, this educational philosophy translates into committed students with a proactive attitude, ready to face future challenges.