Motivation
Supporting learners' motivation is an especially critical task for tutors of
adults with intellectual / developmental disabilities.
Motivation can wane because of:
- Impatience: Learners can become impatient with their
slower learning progress and become bored with the repetition and reinforcement
of teaching.
- Fear of Failure: Learners may be fearful of failure,
which perhaps stems from previous negative schooling experiences. Avoiding
trying may be a safer alternative to possible failure.
- Dependence: Learners may not see a reason to develop
their skills if parents and caregivers have always assisted them and made
decisions for them.
- Relevance: Learners may lose motivation if they are unable
to relate their literacy learning to their everyday lives. Benefits and
usefulness may not be apparent beyond the classroom.
Motivation can be supported through:
Setting Realistic
Goals
Making Learning
Fun
Building in Success
Focusing on Learner
Interests
Making Learning
Purposeful
Being Enthusiastic,
Committed, and Encouraging.