How Do I Tutor An Unmotivated Student?

On occasion, as a tutor, you may have to work with students who simply lack the desire to learn.

However frustrating the situation may be for both the student and the tutor, it is possible to help even the most resistant student become engaged in their education by employing a few different strategies.

In this article, we’ll go over four strategies for re-engaging students who aren’t paying attention in class.

Positive reinforcement is used, along with challenging the student, offering encouragement, setting goals, and setting goals.

Using these strategies, tutors can help their students develop confidence in themselves and their abilities, which will ultimately lead to greater academic success.

Dr Study provides an early childhood program that is tailored to each child’s needs. We make sure that kids enjoy their start to formal education while also building confidence and a love of learning.

What Should You Do If Your Student Is Unmotivated?

Look Into What’s Causing Their Lack of Motivation

Students may be having trouble seeing the value in their class assignments or may have trouble seeing the value in their class assignments in the future if they are unsure as to why they are in school and why their classes are important.

However, there are always those students who know their “why” and are intrinsically motivated enough to stay engaged the whole time.

Despite how obvious it may be, it’s not always easy to figure out why a student isn’t trying.

Although talking to your kid directly is ideal, keep in mind that their response might not be black and white (or they might not know the reason).

Some students, for instance, don’t care because they don’t grasp the material and have grown despondent as a result of steadily worsening test scores over time.

Some students become uninterested in school because they cannot make the connection between what they are learning and their everyday lives.

A third student may appear to be doing fine in class, but be struggling with an undiagnosed learning disorder or disability. The key is to figure out what’s really going on with a student’s motivation so you can intervene effectively.

Remembering that student life does not follow a predetermined path is, however, crucial.

If we want to give our students the best possible support, we need to be strategic, imaginative, and open to assisting them in discovering what matters most to them.

When students have thoroughly explored and consolidated the reasons why school is important to their future and purpose, they are more likely to see the tasks they are assigned as building blocks that will help elevate them to their life’s calling after graduation, even if they find those tasks to be uninteresting during their time in school.

A Student May Dislike the Subject at Times

Students often ask their math teachers, “When are we ever going to use this?” as we’ve mentioned before.

Learning opportunities outside of the classroom can help students like these make the connection between what they’re studying and how it’s useful in the real world.

For example, if a young student has to write a report on the animal kingdom but is at a loss for ideas, a visit to a zoo or wildlife preserve might be just the thing to spark their creativity and get them started.

What is the solution?

In order to help the student, it is necessary to pinpoint the precise ideas and topics with which they are having difficulty and review them again.

If you want to ensure that your child is getting the most out of their education, hiring a tutor is the way to go.

Once these difficulties are remedied, and the student sees an uptick in their grades, their self-assurance will return, and so on and so forth. It is essential that students understand that their efforts have a direct impact on the outcomes they experience.

Some Learning Issues May Have a More Significant Reason

When a student does not participate in a class or exhibits behavioural problems, for instance, there may be underlying causes.

While knowledge and training can address many students’ lack of motivation, it’s important to keep in mind that some will need supplementary academic and social support outside of the classroom.

In the event that you observe any out-of-the-ordinary patterns in your child’s behaviour (such as excessive sleeping, hyperactivity, lack of attention, anxiety issues, etc.), it is important to consult with the educator and physician.

Making Connections

Getting to know your students, even the challenging ones, isn’t something you can skip out on.

It will take more work on your part to build trust with unmotivated students because they already view the educational system negatively.

Looking for a primary school program? Dr. Study offers an online and in-person program that helps kids learn English, Maths, Science and Humanities.

Check-in with the Students

You should definitely stop by and say hello.

When their collaborator shows genuine interest in how they are doing, students will feel more comfortable sharing their own feelings and thoughts with them.

As an added bonus, regular check-ins will help students and teachers build trust and rapport with one another.

Some kids may not get another chance all day to talk about anything, so these check-ins are especially important.

It is the adult’s responsibility to report any suspicions of abuse, self-injury, or dangerous home situations to the proper authorities, so it is important to stress this to the student during these check-ins.

As a result, the youngster may start to wonder if they should share certain information for fear of endangering someone else.

Reassure a hesitant student that you are there to help in any way you can and that you care about them if that’s the case.

If just thinking about it is making you nervous, role-playing potential outcomes can help you feel more prepared for the actual conversation.

Consider the Opinions of Your Students

Never assume that a student who dislikes school also dislikes learning or you as a teacher. That is a very significant consideration.

The desire to learn is present in all children and adults, but some may struggle to learn in an environment where they feel uncomfortable or rejected.”

One of the most important things for educators, whether seasoned pros or newcomers, to remember is that their students do not dislike learning.

Whether or not we acknowledge it, “if one is to believe Wabisabi Learning,” the idea of expanding one’s knowledge and understanding through exploration and experimentation is deeply appealing.

Many of them don’t mind the idea of attending classes per se, but they despise the strict routine that is ingrained in them from the moment they step foot on campus.

They don’t have any problems with the lessons they’re learning.

They dislike being compelled to learn it in this way.”

Students’ views, commitment levels, and interactions with adults are all moulded by their time in school. Respect your students as people and as learners by listening to them.

If they have not done well in school or seem disinterested in learning, it may be helpful to think about the experiences they have had within the system and how those experiences have affected them. In what ways have they been contacted?

Praise Your Students

We always say that positive reinforcement is the best way to motivate people.

Teachers and educators of all stripes agree that encouraging words go a long way towards inspiring a sluggish student to get moving.

We recommend using verbal praise and encouragement rather than small rewards (gift cards, for example). We prefer that our students be motivated from within rather than from without.

Make A Plan Of Action

A student’s plan of action is a helpful document that will detail the steps they need to take in order to achieve their overall life goals, and discovering their “why” is an integral part of this process.

But without a plan to implement, their aspiration will remain just that: a pipe dream. Actions must be taken if their individual “why” is to be realised.

This tangible tool can be used to introduce the concept of responsibility to students.

Doing so will allow you to return to the action plan if you later discover they are not following its directives.

Because the strategy was developed in collaboration with a trusted adult, it allows them to respond without feeling attacked.

Making a plan with the student shows that the educator cares about the student’s progress and is willing to put in the time and effort required to help them succeed.

Now that they have a plan in place, they can move confidently forward to achieve their goals.

In addition, it will help students learn the meaning and function of goal-setting.

Finally, they will benefit from it as they advance in school and in life.

Encourage Your Students

A student’s life can be greatly impacted by even a small amount of positive reinforcement.

Once a student has built trust with an adult, they will feel more at ease sharing their vulnerabilities.

Concerns about one’s own worth are common, and they may relate to anything from one’s physical appearance to one’s academic standing.

As was mentioned before, being a student is not a linear process.

Some students may go the entire school day (or even weeks) without hearing their teachers offer any form of positive reinforcement.

Teaching students motivational sayings is a great way to show that you’re invested in their success and happiness without being overbearing.

In elementary school, middle school, and high school, kids lay the foundation for their futures as adults.

Having someone guide them to an understanding of and a discovery of their purpose will pay dividends for a long time after the teacher has left the classroom.

If they have a strategy in place, students will be better able to plan for the future, make investments, and achieve their goals.

By checking in with their students, trusted adults can foster an environment conducive to learning and gain insight that can be used to tailor their approach to each individual’s needs.

When students realise that their teachers and peers believe in them, they are fueled with the confidence and motivation to reach their full potential.

Students may forget some or all of what they were taught once they leave school and enter the workforce or other parts of society.

However, they will always keep in mind the people who had the greatest impact on their growth and helped them become their best selves. Let us use our position as teachers and community members to make a difference in our student’s lives.

Millions of students around the world struggle with academics. Dr. Study provides a variety of online learning and tutoring programs to assist your child to get ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Even if a tutor is working with a student who doesn’t have a strong interest in learning, there are ways to pique the student’s interest and get them involved in their studies.

Positive reinforcement, challenging the pupil, encouraging them, and establishing and working towards goals are all examples of these methods.

Students’ lives do not stick to a script, so it’s crucial to figure out what’s dragging them down in order to help them get back on track.

Tutors who truly want to help their students succeed must be thoughtful, creative, and willing to collaborate with them as they figure out what matters most to them as individuals.

It is more likely that students will view the assignments given to them as stepping stones towards their life’s calling after they have properly researched and consolidated the reasons why school is crucial to their future and purpose.

Students in this situation can benefit greatly from having the chance to apply what they are learning in the classroom in non-academic settings.

The only way to help a struggling student is to zero in on the specific concepts and material they are struggling with and go over them again and again.

There could be a deeper issue at play in some cases of learning difficulty, such as behavioural disorders. Hiring a tutor is a great approach to make sure your kid is learning as much as possible in school.

It’s crucial to check in with and engage with pupils who aren’t motivated to learn in order to earn their trust. Building trust and rapport between students and teachers requires consistent communication.

Stressing to the student that the adult must report any suspicions of abuse, self-injury, or harmful home situations is crucial during these check-ins.

Confide in a hesitant pupil that you care about them and will do what you can to assist them.

Take into account and value the thoughts, commitment levels, and relationships of your pupils with adults.

The most effective method of inspiring change in others is through praise.

Teachers and educators suggest that pupils be motivated by words of praise and encouragement, as well as through the development of a strategy to introduce the concept of responsibility and the value of goal-setting.

To succeed in school and in life, pupils will benefit much from this. Incorporating a positive reinforcement strategy into a student’s daily routine can have profound effects.

You can demonstrate your interest in your student’s achievement and happiness by teaching them inspirational quotes.

Trusted adults can create a learning environment that is optimal for their pupils and better meets the requirements of each student if they regularly check in with them.

Students gain the self-assurance and will to succeed when they see that their instructors and classmates have faith in them.

We have a unique opportunity to impact our students’ lives as educators and members of the local community.

Content Summary

• Positive reinforcement is used, along with challenging the student, offering encouragement, setting goals, and setting goals.
• Using these strategies, tutors can help their students develop confidence in themselves and their abilities, ultimately leading to more tremendous academic success.
• Despite how obvious it may be, it’s not always easy to figure out why a student isn’t trying.
• Although talking to your kid directly is ideal, keep in mind that their response might not be black and white (or they might not know the reason).
• Some students become uninterested in school because they cannot make the connection between what they are learning and their everyday lives.
• The key is to figure out what’s really going on with a student’s motivation so you can intervene effectively.
• If we want to give our students the best possible support, we need to be strategic, imaginative, and open to assisting them in discovering what matters most to them.
• Learning opportunities outside of the classroom can help students like these make the connection between what they’re studying and how it’s useful in the real world.
• To help the student, it is necessary to pinpoint the precise ideas and topics with which they are having difficulty and review them again.
• If you want to ensure that your child is getting the most out of their education, hiring a tutor is the way to go.
• It is essential that students understand that their efforts have a direct impact on the outcomes they experience.
• When a student does not participate in a class or exhibits behavioural problems, for instance, there may be underlying causes.
• While knowledge and training can address many students’ lack of motivation, it’s important to keep in mind that some will need supplementary academic and social support outside of the classroom.
• Getting to know your students, even the challenging ones, isn’t something you can skip out on.
• It will take more work on your part to build trust with unmotivated students because they already view the educational system negatively.
• When their collaborator shows genuine interest in how they are doing, students will feel more comfortable sharing their own feelings and thoughts with them.
• As an added bonus, regular check-ins will help students and teachers build trust and rapport with one another.
• Some kids may not get another chance all day to talk about anything, so these check-ins are especially important.
• It is the adult’s responsibility to report any suspicions of abuse, self-injury, or dangerous home situations to the proper authorities, so it is important to stress this to the student during these check-ins.
• Reassure a hesitant student that you are there to help in any way you can and that you care about them if that’s the case.
• Never assume that a student who dislikes school also dislikes learning or you as a teacher.
• The desire to learn is present in all children and adults, but some may struggle to learn in an environment where they feel uncomfortable or rejected.”
• One of the most important things for educators, whether seasoned pros or newcomers, to remember is that their students do not dislike learning.
• They don’t have any problems with the lessons they’re learning.
• Students’ views, commitment levels, and interactions with adults are all moulded by their time in school.
• Respect your students as people and as learners by listening to them.
• If they have not done well in school or seem disinterested in learning, it may be helpful to think about the experiences they have had within the system and how those experiences have affected them.
• Teachers and educators of all stripes agree that encouraging words go a long way towards inspiring a sluggish student to get moving.
• We recommend using verbal praise and encouragement rather than small rewards.
• A student’s plan of action is a helpful document that will detail the steps they need to take to achieve their overall life goals, and discovering their “why” is an integral part of this process.
• But without a plan to implement, their aspiration will remain just that: a pipe dream.
• Actions must be taken if their individual “why” is to be realised.
• This tangible tool can be used to introduce the concept of responsibility to students.
• Doing so will allow you to return to the action plan if you later discover they are not following its directives.
• Making a plan with the student shows that the educator cares about the student’s progress and is willing to put in the time and effort required to help them succeed.
• Now that they have a plan in place, they can move confidently forward to achieve their goals.
• Encourage Your Students
• A student’s life can be greatly impacted by even a small amount of positive reinforcement.
• Once a student has built trust with an adult, they will feel more at ease sharing their vulnerabilities.
• Concerns about one’s own worth are common, and they may relate to anything from one’s physical appearance to one’s academic standing.
• Some students may go the entire school day (or even weeks) without hearing their teachers offer any form of positive reinforcement.
• Teaching students motivational sayings are a great way to show that you’re invested in their success and happiness without being overbearing.
• In elementary school, middle school, and high school, kids lay the foundation for their futures as adults.
• Having someone guide them to an understanding of and a discovery of their purpose will pay dividends for a long time after the teacher has left the classroom.
• If they have a strategy in place, students will be better able to plan for the future, make investments, and achieve their goals.
• By checking in with their students, trusted adults can foster an environment conducive to learning and gain insight that can be used to tailor their approach to each individual’s needs.
• When students realise that their teachers and peers believe in them, they are fueled with the confidence and motivation to reach their full potential.
• Keep in mind the people who had the greatest impact on their growth and helped them become their best selves.

Author

Dr. Olga Abeysekera

Dr Olga Abeysekera, founder of Dr Study Tutoring and the Dr Progress Group Pty Ltd, is passionate about transforming education through innovative and personalised tutoring. With a PhD in Management from Monash University and a background in both academic research and private tutoring, she has a deep commitment to helping students excel.
Her holistic approach at Dr Study Tutoring emphasises not only academic success but also the development of lifelong skills, ensuring that each student receives the best education and support possible. Dr Olga’s dedication to continuous improvement drives her mission to inspire a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

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