FAILURE + ISSUES = POOR MOTIVATION

Motivation is assumed to come from within students. This is because we also assume that students in FE want (have chosen) to be here. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Quite often (but not always), learners end up in FE because they have failed at school (for one reason or another). When this is the case, learners may have issues with authority figures, failure, learning, self-esteem, confidence and so on. Another assumption is that teachers can do nothing about a lack of learner intrinsic motivation. This is a list of teachers qualities that have been cited to motivate and encourage problematic learners, by the learners themselves (see Wallace, 2002 p18-25). Sense of humour: Shes a good laugh. She makes it funny. Enthusiasm: and you can tell shes enjoying herself. Commitment: Teachers always give up with me, but she just wont give up. Assertiveness: She has this look, you know and you just do it. Openness and approachability: But its like () youre two people and you feel like you can talk to him. Care and empathy: He doesnt get mad, he gets worried about you. And says Is everything alright? Sound knowledge of the subject: She really knows that shes talking about. Acceptance and encouragement: She listens to you like shes really interested. Personal impact: He makes you work. He doesnt shout or nothing. He just looks at you. Respect for learners: He never disrespects you or nothing. And we dont disrespect him. His lessons are alright. Control: You cant, like, rattle her cage. Praise: Shes like, Well thats an interesting way to look at it Richie. And shes like, Good try.

These are the behaviours in teachers that the learners themselves have cited demotivate, discourage or antagonise them (op cit): Lack of enthusiasm: Its like he cant be bothered. Lack of commitment: He doesnt want to be there. Shows no interest in the students: You cant even talk to her. Shes like, shut up and get on with it. He never looks at you. Lack of self-confidence: Half the time he looks like hes scared. Lack of assertiveness: We just do what we want. Loss of temper: He hates us. No interest in the subject: He said I know its boring and that, but weve got to do it.
Linda Harradine August 2005. From: Wallace S (2002). Managing Behaviour and Motivating Students in Further Education. Exeter: Learning Matters.