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In light of completing the International TEFL and TESOL Training, it is evident that motivation is important in a classroom setting. This is because through motivation students will be encouraged to engage in class activities, complete their work and actually understand what they are being taught. Without motivation, it is likely that course requirements will not be met and student disengagement may lead to disruptive behaviour. Ultimately, motivation would be beneficial in ensuring that a positive and successful learning environment is established and maintained. In order to explore its importance, it is essential to establish what motivation in the classroom is. Motivation in the classroom can be viewed as how a teacher influences students to participate and engage with classroom activities. This would differ from personal motivation as personal is more centred at an individual’s interest or desire to do something. According to the Ministry of Education Guyana, there are two types of motivation for learning which are intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation occurs when factors such as rewards and recognition become the reason for action. Subsequently, extrinsic motivation is similar to motivation in the classroom as they both require a person, the teacher, to use various methods to encourage participation. When students are motivated in class, they are likely to be engaged with their learning and completing the work required. This is important as it is only through completing their tasks that students can cement their understanding of topics taught. If they lack the motivation to undertake classwork, they may fail to meet course requirements which are present in their exams. This would be because they have not fully grasped the topics which are taught in class. Consequently, this could result in students being unable to complete their course and having to retake their exams or doing the course again. Whilst this may seem to be a drastic result, it is a scenario capable of occurring because classroom motivation was not present. If the scenario were to occur, it would reflect badly on the teacher as the result stems from classroom motivation which is something that a teacher has the responsibility to foster and grow. As meeting course requirements is part of establishing a successful and positive learning environment, it is important for classroom motivation to be present so that classwork may be completed. Classroom motivation is also important because, without it, students may not feel the need to engage with class activities. If students are disengaged, they might cause disruptions to the class which does not assist in creating a successful and positive learning environment. Rather, it may create an environment in which other students do not feel comfortable to participate or an environment which influences others to lose their motivation. If that type of environment were to be established, it would limit students from fully reaching their potential as they would not have the drive to achieve higher or they lose confidence/interest in participating. It may also create issues if the disruptions negatively impact the teacher or students. An example of this is student A talking loudly and playing with student C whilst student B who is sitting in between them is trying to listen to the recording being played by the teacher. Student B would be unable to concentrate on the audio and complete the tasks required because student A and C are distracting B. Subsequently, student B has been negatively impacted as their actions have prevented B from fully engaging with the class task. As a result, a positive and successful learning environment may not be achieved. Evidently, motivation in the classroom is important in establishing and maintaining a successful and positive learning environment. As explored above, a lack of motivation may lead to disengagement which could lead to disruptions. These disruptions would not create a positive environment as they have the potential to negatively impact other students and the teacher. On the other hand, if there is classroom motivation it is likely that students would complete their classwork and meet course requirements. Subsequently, this would establish a successful and positive learning environment.
