Difficulties with Motivation

Motivation is an individual's reason for engaging in a particular activity.

Difficulties with Motivation - adjustments to practice

Motivation is an individual's reason for engaging in a particular activity.

Some learners will be naturally enthusiastic about learning, but others may need, or expect, their teachers and trainers to inspire, challenge, and stimulate them. Whatever level of motivation the individual brings to the learning environment, will be increased or decreased depending on what happens within the environment. There are many factors that can affect a learner's motivation to work and learn including:

interest in the subject matter;
perception of a subject matter's usefulness;
general desire to achieve;
self-confidence and self-esteem;
patience and persistence.

Some people may also be affected by prescribed medication that they may need to take to treat a medical condition. Some medication can affect concentration or make them feel excessively tired. In addition, not all learners are motivated by the same values, needs, desires or wants. Some will be motivated by the approval of others and some by the desire to overcome their learning challenges.

Research has also shown that good everyday teaching practices can do more to counter learner apathy than special efforts to attack motivation directly (Ericksen, 1978). Most people respond positively to a well-organised course taught by an enthusiastic instructor who has a genuine interest in learners and their subject. Thus activities you undertake to promote learning will also enhance learners' motivation.