(Adapted from Marzano’s “What Works in Schools” model from his book, “School Leadership that Works”)
Motivating students is one of the most important ways to boost learning. A lot of students do just enough to get through the day or stay eligible for sports, but real student engagement comes when learning feels rewarding. Here are five strategies to help students stay focused and motivated.
- Tell them Why Hard Work Matters
Talk openly about why diligence, effort, and excellence matter—not just academically, but spiritually and personally. Scriptures like Colossians 3:23 or 1 Corinthians 10:31, can be used to encourage students that whatever they do, they should do with their whole effort. Helping students understand the value of hard work lasts well past their school years. - Make their Learning Mean Something
Students are more motivated when they understand the why of what they are learning. Tie the lessons to something real that they can connect with. For example, when teaching on unit prices, grab two supermarket ads and have students plan a meal with five items to see which store has the best deal. Same for science, instead of just labeling the parts of a flower, talk about God’s beautiful, detailed, and unique design of each flower. Helping students see the bigger picture gives learning meaning and encourages effort. - Stop Emphasizing the Grade
Instead of focusing solely on grades, highlight improvement and effort. Show students their progress over time through charts or verbal feedback. When students can see their hard work is paying off, they are more likely to push themselves further. - Turn Lessons into Games
Gamifying learning makes even the most boring units exciting. Use timers, buzzers, or competitions to engage students in a friendly challenge. Game-like activities not only make learning fun but also encourage active participation. One of my favorites is “trashketball” where students shoot after answering review questions correctly. Mix it up! Students often remember more when they’re laughing and having fun. - Celebrate Wins
Acknowledging student’s progress and effort is a big motivator. Celebrate small improvements in class, highlight special achievements during assemblies, etc. Recognition shows students that their hard work matters and encourages them to continue striving for excellence.
Some days, I get it, you’re tired too. But even doing just a few of these six strategies each class helps the classroom feel different. Motivation isn’t a magic trick; it is about intentionally showing our students that what we’re doing in this classroom matters.
