Online StoreMotivation - A Simple Formula to Spark Interest in Kids and Teens
Though difficult, it is possible to get a student interested in even the most boring task. If kids and teens find the relationship between their schoolwork or other daily tasks, and their life as a whole, motivation will rise. Helping students to connect seemingly abstract events in their lives to who they are and what they will become is the key to motivation. When kids and teens learn to ask, “What’s in it for me?” they can find meaning in the task at hand. Odd as it sounds, “What’s in it for me?” or WIIFM (pronounced wiffum), is a way to help students see the advantage in something they view as negative, over the difficulty and effort of the job at hand.
What is the advantage of staying awake during a boring math lecture? A student has to evaluate whether the WIIFM outweighs falling asleep in class. In this case, the WIIFM if he stays awake and listens, and even take notes, is good grades. Another WIIFM could be that the math teacher gives public recognition to those students who do well in the class. The student likes positive attention, and knows that if he does well he’ll get recognized. In addition to getting recognized, his parents have promised a new video game for a better grade in the class. In this way, asking, “What’s in it for me?” becomes a powerful motivation tool.
Finding WIIFM is the same as creating interest. Students need to be taught the skill of using WIIFM to help them see the reasons for things in their lives that seem disconnected to their everyday activities. Academic summer camps teach these very specific skills that show students how they can change their thinking. Helping students find a reason to be interested in their studies at school, their involvement with a sport, or their activities at home is the key to motivation. When students see the connection between what they’re learning and the life they’re living, it’s easier for them to see, “What’s in it for me?” If a student goes to ball practice even though he wants to stay home, the WIIFM is that he is more prepared for the game. When game time comes he can help be part of a team that scores points and wins. The WIIFM is winning.
The benefits of WIIFM grow on themselves once WIIFM is identified and students begin to understand it. Winning the game is a good example. Being a part of a winning team is great, but a lot more happens than that. If a teen feels good about his performance, he bonds with the team. As a result, he might become more popular at school. To keep that feeling going, he may work harder in his classes. Working harder leads to better grades, which make him feel better about himself. Because he asks, “What’s in it for me?” when it’s practice time, he is able to build on one success after another. Motivation is achieved.
Understanding “What’s in it for me?” — knowing how to create interest — is the key to finding motivation in any area of life. Creating interest helps kids and teens take responsibility for their lives, and that is the difference between passive learners and active learners. A passive learner is a victim of his own situation. He doesn’t see any learning potential in the current activity. Active learners view things differently and get whatever lessons they can from each situation. Ignoring opportunities is the trademark of passive learners, but active learners use their situation to their benefit and build success upon success.
When a student begins to identify the WIIFM in situations and becomes an active learner, a light goes off in his head. Motivation rises and he uses challenging or mundane situations to his advantage. He makes better choices that help him advance toward a goal he can see. Then he gains personal power. Personal power enables a student to go toward life - raising his motivation and allowing him to be fruitful in what he does.
Helping a child to raise his motivation isn’t easy. But there is a way. If children get help learning how to view life differently, they can find benefit in the things they do. Academic summer camps help students to see the “What’s in it for me?” to create interest, and to gain personal power. After kids have success, they can celebrate - in fact it’s important they do. In recognizing their achievement, kids and teens learn to celebrate to underscore their success. The celebration reminds them that WIIFM works, and that builds more motivation for the next task. Some adults may ask, “What’s in it for me?” faster than a kid would, but once a student learns the power of WIIFM, failure is left in the dust and motivation takes over their lives.
