Some argue that teachers should focus on academics more than motivating students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some argue that teachers should focus on academics more than motivating students.

To what extent do you agree or disagree? 

There has been a lot of debate in recent years about the importance of teachers when it comes to motivating and inspiring young adults into education vis-à-vis the academic content. In my view, while the academic components are crucial, there is a greater need for a teacher to motivate and inspire so that he or she is able to engage students in learning over a long period of time.

The knowledge base of the students is very important, and that is why it is said that there is a strong foundation for attaining an education. Mathematics, literature, and the sciences serve as the building blocks to provide students with the necessary intellectual structure to understand their environment and succeed in their future occupations. For example, a teenager aspiring to study physics must first have a deep understanding of certain critical concepts such as force and motion. Otherwise, these students will be left behind in the future when it comes to advanced subjects and topics. Likewise, history or literature develops students’ abilities to think critically and analyze information which can be useful in many endeavors in their lives. In this regard, teachers whose primary focus is the delivery of content knowledge make it possible for students to reap the benefits of higher education and make the best of it in their work life.

It is clear motivation is important for maintaining long term interest and engagement. Adolescents are especially at a level where they are forming various aspects of their identities and future aspirations. Low motivation can cause disengagement, underperformance and have a detrimental attitude towards education. Take, for example, a class where the teacher only reads the standard boring academic material. The subject could be totally irrelevant to real-world problems. On the other end, a teacher who attempts to connect lessons with students’ interests or possible careers will engender interest and passion within the students. A classic example would be explaining satellite communications and demonstrating how the field of Physics is applied in technology and even space exploration, something a science teacher can effectively do. Consequently, with stronger motivation, students will also have self-confidence, resilience and a growth mindset. Students feel more positive about their own chances of success when teachers make an effort to encourage them when problems arise.

To sum up, as much as it is important to have the substantive knowledge, academic practitioners should be more concerned with motivating and inspiring the youngsters under their care. Motivation aids in engaging the students on a deeper level which results in increased persistence and enthusiasm for the task at hand.