Written by Tory Rogers
I have found through experience motivation to complete assignments after returning from spring break has become rather difficult for students. College unlike high school is a place where students must initiate motivation. As a college student if you are not self-motivated then why even go to college in the first place.
Although college is a student’s choice it is understandable for a student to feel unmotivated after break. Not only do the students struggle with self-motivation, but faculty can also struggle with motivating the students as well. After reading the article “Motivation after Spring Break” published on Duquesne University’s website I have found some useful tips for college students and faculty members as they return from spring break. Here is the article below…
Motivation after Spring Break
Returning from spring break is hard for faculty and students. Whether you used break for fun or work, getting back on track and regaining momentum are essentials for successfully completing the semester. Motivation is a factor that both students and faculty must nurture. You have a role in producing motivation.
For Students
Motivate Your Learning after Spring Break
1. Assess your learning to this point in the semester.
Taking time to examine your performance on finished tests, quizzes, papers and projects can help you understand how to adjust your study for better performance. Several websites offer post-test surveys that can help students determine what went wrong and how to adjust study skills.
2. Practice weekly calendar reviews and updates
On Sunday night review your syllabi and calendar to be mindful of deadlines and approaching exams or papers.
3. Prioritize assignments.
If you know that a major project is coming due, plan your time effectively. Divide large assignments into manageable parts and hold yourself to accomplishing each part in a timely way. Accomplishing manageable goals increases your self-confidence.
4. Develop alternative study places.
As the weather warms, try to find a spot outdoors where you enjoy working that is free from distractions where you can study. Diffuse sunlight by a window can increase your energy.
5. Connect with fellow students to study.
Working with your classmates can get you back on track to refocus on what is important and to hold you accountable in the last part of the semester.
For Faculty
Motivating Students after Spring Break
1. Assess where you are and map out what needs covered to maximize student learning in the final half of the semester.
2. Greet students and inquire about their spring break – Reconnecting with your students after break shows that you value them as people and increases the likelihood that they will in turn show interest to the course materials.
3. Vary your Teaching Style
a. Arrange for a guest presenter.
b. Show a video.
c. Devote part of a class to reviewing the major issues covered so far, preview, and outline what is coming for the remainder of the term.
d. Invite student participation in a new way — Ask students to comb newspapers, magazines, journals, websites, and YouTube for relevant examples of what the course has covered and to bring the materials to share with the class.
e. Play music before the beginning of class that relates to the material.
4. Congratulate accomplishments to help students sense their mastery of the materials and to encourage further learning. A sense of mastery is a major motivational issue in learning. Students who sense achievement perform better than students who feel lost or overwhelmed. Spend some time getting students to recognize what they already have mastered and emphasize its importance. Encouragement goes a long way.
I feel that the tips given to students in this article are so useful and beneficial that it is only to your advantage to read them. As we slowly inch towards summer, and the thought of freedom is in the back of our minds, we must keep the thought of motivation as our main priority. As long as the motivation remains there is no reason a student cannot succeed.