Increasing Academic Motivation and Reducing Academic Frustration
Students who learn differently encompass a diverse group of individuals facing learning challenges—whether or not they meet the criteria for a specific learning difficulty diagnosis (e.g., dyslexia). These challenges may arise from various factors, such as weaknesses in their learning profiles (e.g., language skills, non-verbal reasoning ability, memory, etc.), poor executive functioning skills (the mental processes that help students set and achieve goals), or attentional difficulties.
As a result, these students may develop low academic motivation and increased academic frustration. In this blog, we will explore strategies that teachers and parents can use to better support these students.
Tips to Increase Academic Motivation
Students may experience low academic motivation due to factors such as lack of interest in the material, difficulty understanding content, or feeling disconnected from the learning environment. To support them, adults working with these students can:
Set Realistic Goals
Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Celebrate small achievements along the way to build a sense of accomplishment and keep students motivated. Visual schedules and checklists can also be helpful.
Create a Positive Learning Environment
Ensure students have a quiet, comfortable, and distraction-free space for studying.
Be involved in their learning by offering encouragement and guidance when needed.
Foster a Growth Mindset
Encourage students to view mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures. Remind them that making mistakes is an essential part of the learning process. Provide constant encouragement and assurance that the effort they put in is valuable, regardless of the outcome.
Make Learning Relevant
Help students connect academic subjects to their interests and real-life experiences. When learning feels meaningful, it can spark curiosity and boost motivation to engage.
Tips to Reduce Academic Frustration
Students who learn differently often experience academic frustration due to challenges such as processing information at a different pace than their peers, overwhelming workloads, and a lack of tailored support. Standardised teaching methods and curriculums may not align with their specific needs, making it harder to grasp key concepts. To help reduce frustration, adults working with these students can:
Provide Clear Instructions
Break down tasks and assignments into clear, simple steps. This reduces confusion and overwhelm, helping students understand expectations and how to proceed.
Use Multisensory Teaching Methods
Engage students through activities that involve multiple senses—sight, sound, touch, and movement—to help them better engage with and retain information. This approach is particularly beneficial for children with learning difficulties, as it caters to different learning styles and strengthens memory by stimulating more than one sense at a time. For example, students might learn new vocabulary by seeing the word, hearing it spoken, and physically writing or tracing it. Engaging multiple senses can improve understanding and make learning more accessible.
Allow More Time for Processing
Students who learn differently may need extra time to fully grasp concepts and complete tasks. Providing additional time reduces pressure and frustration, enabling them to process information at their own pace and retain it more effectively.
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“With the right support our learners can thrive”
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Students who learn differently can thrive when given the right support.
By setting achievable goals, encouraging a growth mindset, and using multisensory instruction and clear guidance, adults can boost motivation and reduce frustration for these students.
These approaches create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment to help all students feel capable and supported. Every learner deserves the chance to succeed. They should feel confident, valued, and empowered in their own unique learning journey.
