Awe
@headguruteacher wrote about 'Awe' in the classroom. He insists that a lesson can't be considered great without it. He says that 'in great lessons, it is important to step back from time to time to contemplate the subject in hand, instilling a sense of awe. This is how the seeds of a deep-rooted love of learning are sown. We're not just learning this stuff because we have to; or because it is useful. We are learning it because it is just so fabulously, fascinatingly awe-inspiring. There is no greater motivation to learn than this.'
Fun and Laughter
@cherrylkd works with SEN pupils and she sees fun and laughter as the best way to motivate her learners. Although she often feels unable to use the strategies that work well in mainstream schools, she says that her 'children turn up every day, despite their terrible illnesses, smiling and motivated to learn. Laughter is the greatest motivator of all.'
No Hands!
Questioning is a vital skill to develop as a teacher. At its best, it can motivate, intrigue and challenge every single learner in the room, you included! At its worst, it can destroy the confidence of many and promote the learning of a select few. This teacher gave the 'no hands rule' a try and he found it lead to increased motivation in his classroom. If you haven't tried other questioning methods yet, then what are you waiting for? It might just be the difference that your teaching needs.