Coaching

The Interactive Classroom
27 Siebrecht Place
New Rochelle, NY 10804
T: 914-636-0888
E: astix@optonline.net

Teacher-Coaches as Motivators

How do we motivate students? First, we need to develop a relationship of trust, based on a sense of security in a risk-free environment. Students need to feel that they can move forward, reach higher, and take confident strides and make new leaps in their endeavors within the security of this relationship. Second, teachers need to offer assignments that are intellectually challenging, but not overly difficult. The coach's ultimate goal is to always motivate students through guidance and purposeful activity. The idea is to jump start and tap the natural curiosity that is invariably inherent in all students, get the adrenaline pumping with assignments and tasks that are worthy and stimulating, ignite their passions, and have them literally reaching for the stars.

Time and time again, research has shown that if students are truly engaged in learning, their recall increases (Conway, Cohen, & Stanhope, 1991; MacKenzie & White, 1982; Semb & Ellis, 1994; Surges, Ellis, & Wulfeck, 1981). For example, in a study of an accounting course Specht and Sandlin (1991), found that role-playing enhanced students' conceptual understanding more than did traditional lecturing. It is crucial, therefore, for teacher-coaches to motivate their students into activities that are as realistic as possible. Whether the classroom setting becomes a heated debate, an open forum, a round circle discussion, the lobbying for a particular cause, students must feel that they are doing research and writing for a practical purpose that has an important impact and relevance beyond the school environment.

To move into effective action, teacher-coaches must help students develop responsibility and choice, relieve the stress they will inevitably encounter, increase their self-esteem and identity, and make real, meaningful, and relevant contributions to the classroom.