How motivation affect teaching and learning of mathematics

There are many factors which affect pupils, or learners in the teaching and learning of
mathematics and one of these factors is motivation. Motivation can affect the learners in their
learning and teaching of mathematics learners need to be motivated so as to have positive
attitudes towards mathematics.

Motivation is defined as the forces acting on and coming from within a person that account ,
in part for the wilful direction of ones efforts towards the achievements of specific goals,
and motivation moans those things , the person works hard, the person at his or her work, and
the person directs his or behaviour toward appropriate goals.

Pupils can be motivated to like mathematics by giving rewards. The teacher can motivate
learners by giving rewards such as exercise books, pens and also money, for example when
learners write fortnights tests or end of term tests. By giving rewards, the pupils will
compete for the first position and by so doing, it raises the pass rate.

Feedback also motivates pupils to love mathematics. Quick feedbacks, for example whom the
teacher give pupils work to do. He/she must mark the books and return to pupils in time and
discuss with them. In addition, comments given by the teacher will also motivate pupils.
When learners give correct or wrong answer as a teacher you must use words which
encourages learners to like mathematics.

Pupils can be motivated, by creating conducive environment in the classroom and this can be
shown by giving them a parental love. When the pupils love the teacher, it means they also
like the subject. Teachers must not use abusive words and labelling pupils so as to create
conducive environment and this will make the learners like mathematics, since mathematics
needs a lot of discussion and clarification.

Respecting individual differences will also motivate pupils to like mathematics. Cater for all
learners in the classroom that is the slow, average and fast learners. When learners are treated
equally, they feel that we are not left out and this will make pupils to like mathematics, even
when they are not good in mathematics.
In addition, oral discussion especially free periods on the importance of mathematics will
motivate them. Learners will be free to ask what they want to ask freely and up having the
interest in mathematics. And discussion will lead them to know the importance of
mathematics in real life.

Teaching strategies or styles which motivate pupils. For example the teacher may also include
those methods which encourage pupil to pupil and teacher to pupil interaction. Teachers may
also use of models such as the use of technology advancements. Most of learners like to
operate computers and they can be motivated by using those modernised methods of teaching
and learning aids.

Learners can be motivated by teaching them equally. Both girls and boys need to be treated
equally, and thus this works mostly on girls who have a negative attitude towards
mathematics. If treated equally as what the boys are treated they end up liking the subject and
excel in mathematics. Availability of resources will also motivate pupils. Learners with
adequate resources will be motivated to like mathematics. Resources such as textbooks, past
exam papers and all mathematical instruments.