What will happen to your unmotivated child?
It’s very likely that he/she may become a slouch, that’s what will happen to your unmotivated child – an awkward, lazy, or unqualified person with the possible tendency to put on weight.
But before we evaluate unmotivated individuals, perhaps we should uncover the reason they may be apathetic learners. These children may
- not be motivated in their particular learning environment,
- see little value in what they are studying,
- not believe that their efforts will improve their results,
- not be inspired by the rewards for their efforts,
- consider the classroom environment as unsupportive.
Researchers state that the unmotivated learner is more negatively affected by pressure than motivated learners, so they may need more help in the form of guidelines and clear expectations -pushing and pressuring them will not help. Assigning work that they can successfully complete does help and may change their perceptions about the classroom environment.
Other issues to consider include teacher behaviour and personality; teaching methods; parental involvement; family issues; and peer friendships. So, if you find your child is sluggish, emotionally flat, doing nothing when there is work to be done, expressing no concern about incomplete work or grade achievements, then you may need to seek professional advice. Remember Capulum College is a phone call away…
Here are a few tips you could try:
- As a parent, get involved – with homework, have conversations about school life – but don’t ‘smother’ your child.
- Rewards such as praise and treats – extra time on the computer, for example. Break work up into manageable amounts and reward your child with small breaks until the task is completed, and then a worthwhile treat is the reward.
- Praise your child for the effort rather than the result.
- A reminder of the long-term goal can motivate high-school learners.
- Your child may work well with a tutor a little senior to your child – they will have a certain understanding of one another.
- Work with your child’s teacher who may have insights you may not have recognised.
- Take care of yourself and be sensible about your child’s realistic achievements.
If a learner is not motivated it is almost impossible to improve his/her academic achievement no matter how good the teacher, curriculum or school. Also, unmotivated learners tend to disrupt the class, and this can affect the entire group.