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Ways to Motivate
Your Students

Success in a distance learning class depends upon the students being self-motivated and determined. It is easy for them to get discouraged because there is no teacher in the classroom for them to ask questions when they become confused. Some become intimidated at the prospect of calling the Latin assistant or me. You may arrange a time for the class to ask me questions, or for me to talk with them about some identified problem or question, with the use of a speaker phone. Some students who are capable of doing very well become passive because they feel less accountable during a video presentation.

Here are some suggestions for how to prevent these problems. Not all of these ideas will be suitable for your situation.

  1. Encourage a cooperative environment in which students help one another (except, of course, on quizzes and tests!). Some classes have met at individual students' houses to rewatch tapes and study together before a test. Others have met before or after school to study.
  2. Encourage students to participate actively while watching the class by answering questions and exercises aloud as the teacher goes over them. Have the students pronounce the Latin vocabulary after me. Location: Internet Latin 1 front page "Verba" (words) on the left navigator bar. There the students will pull down the drop box and select the chapter, then click on the Latin word to hear it pronounced, see the part of speech, the English meaning(s), and the derivatives.
  3. Encourage students to listen to Latin reading of the chapter stories. Location: Internet Latin 1 front page "Fabulae" (stories) on the left navigator bar.
  4. Notify me when your students receive awards from their school or community, give special performances, etc. I will recognize their achievements on the Internet in the Student Show Case.
  5. Encourage students to compete in area foreign language contests, take the National Latin Exam (Internet/Cetera), or participate in your school foreign language week. Have the students join the National Junior Classical League (Internet/Cetera). You will find ideas for a foreign language week later in this section.
  6. Have your students' participation in distance learning publicized in your school or local newspaper. Find a bulletin board or wall in your classroom and your school where Latin students can display projects, holiday cards, and other Latin materials. This helps students take pride in their involvement in distance learning.
  7. If distance, time, and money allow, arrange a field trip to a museum in your area or to the studio at KET. Students are always motivated by touring our facility.
  8. Call me if you have a particular problem with morale. I may be able to help by speaking with students personally.

 

Foreign Language Week Activities

  1. School Announcements - Begin and end the school day with announcements in Latin:
    Have a student call the Latin assistant for any translation information.
  2. Visuals: Make signs and mottoes in Latin and in English and post them around the school.
  3. Label special areas of the school in Latin (the main office, the library, subject classrooms, restrooms, etc.) Again, please call KET's Latin assistant for help.
  4. Check with your cafeteria for a school wide Latin Day Menu. Offer suggestions Latin recipes from the KET Latin web site or Italian or Greek recipes from their school or community.
  5. Host a Roman Banquet with Roman/Greek foods, clothing, and decorations. See "Cookbook"! (Internet/Cetera/Roman Life)
  6. Send KET your announcements, giving the name of your school, the date of your celebration, recipes used, and a short description of activities. If possible, take pictures or videos we can share with other Latin students.

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