A teacher is supposed to be more than an instructor that gives a grade to a student. The purpose of a teacher is to help a student develop into a productive member of society. Every student you teach is influenced by what you say and how you act. In order to become a memorable teacher you must learn how to motivate students properly. Motivating students can seem like a difficult process, but if you work at it one day at a time you will develop a good way to communicate with each student you instruct.
The tone of your voice and way you carry yourself is important for motivating students. Even if you are teaching for the first time do your best to avoid looking nervous. Talk with enthusiasm so that when students listen to what you have to say they feel excited to learn. The best way to figure out how to become a good teacher is to adopt traits from your favorite instructors and add them to your personality. Seasoned instructors should look towards colleagues they admire to adopt traits that can work to motivate students.
Engage students in the learning process. Instead of having students fill in paperwork all day try to create projects relevant to the course material you are teaching. In an English class consider assigning students into groups so that they can discuss the material being read. In science classrooms you can have the most fun and have students create science fair projects. Math classrooms can be fun as well since you can relate all material presented back to life. Instruct students how learning simple or complex equations can help them pay bills or figure out how to make investments one day in the future.
Get to know each of your students on a personal level. Plan extra credit assignments on campus or at a neutral location after school or on weekends. Create an educational but fun exercise where you can learn more about the characteristics of each student. Learn how each student operates to assess how to provide proper motivation. Understanding the way a student thinks and operates can help you reach a particular individual to help him or her achieve to their ability.
Evaluate your progress every couple of weeks. Think about what you like about your teaching habits and what you feel could use a change. Motivating students can be difficult if you do not try out different methods. Constantly strive to improve your abilities as an instructor and in time you will be a very motivational educator.
