Student Interest and Motivation
Providing tools for holistic development in progressive ABA
Posted Created by Michael Daniels March, 2023
Student Interest & Motivation
The concepts of learning and motivation, although may seem distinctly separate elements of education, can be argued to be in fact closely linked. A student’s motivation to learn is the affective response that can result when an effective situation encourages or dissuades a learner to engage in the learning progress. 6 elements can be considered when evaluating student interest and motivation. They include Determining engagement in the process of learning, motivational factors, competence building, opening opportunities, self-concept, and student-centred strategies.
A key perspective when applying progressive ABA is the priority of motivational factors that can controlled student achievement, opposed to focusing on the deficits that are attributed to a diagnosis or disability. Simply put, problems with motivation could be the true barrier to learning, not necessarily the cognitive challenges a student may experience.
Research has proven that cognitive and motivational variables have a correlation to achievement and as such can be used as predictors of student outcomes. One key variable of motivation that must be incorporated into progressive ABA is competence building. Increasing proficiencies through natural interests establishes meaning in learning.
Another key variable to incorporate is developing a student’s self-concept to help maintain motivation. Building confidence in a student through an understanding of their skills and strategies, will help access the needed motivation when in an acquisition phase of learning.
Presenting frequent and ongoing opportunities to learn about a student and their interests is a key to progressive ABA. Getting to know a student is an essential task that provides information to understand how best to structure activities and supporting strategies that promote interest, build confidence, and encourage skill development.
Incorporating communication tools, emotional regulation strategies, and preference assessments equip instructors and provide students with an ability to remain interested in the activities presented, even difficulties may arise. These strategies will also support an instructor to ensure they remain aware of effective methods that will improve motivation and outcomes when teaching. This technique uses progressive ABA practice by leading with a student-centred focus to advance skills and realise abilities.