Prof. Andrew J. Martin: Student Learning Motivation and Engagement | Raising Parents #44

Being a parent comes with many challenges, and one of the big ones is helping your kids stay motivated for school. As kids change and figure out what they like, their interest in school can fluctuate. In this podcast, Professor Andrew Martin explores some simple ways parents can help support their child’s learning motivation.

Meet Prof. Andrew J. Martin

Andrew Martin is a renowned Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of New South Wales, Australia. He specializes in understanding how children learn and achieve success, focusing on student motivation and engagement.

His research explores how parents and teachers can support children’s educational journey. Andrew has received numerous awards and grants for his work. He is the author of several books, including “How to Motivate Your Child for School and Beyond,” which has been translated into multiple languages and received widespread acclaim.

Andrew is not just an academic but also finds inspiration in literature and film. He loves the book Boy Swallows Universe and the movie The Godfather for their compelling narratives and profound themes. In addition to fiction, he draws inspiration from various people he admires.

Prof. Andrew’s career was shaped by a course in the psychology of learning and teaching during his master’s degree. It resonated with his experiences as a struggling student, and he shifted his focus from developmental psychology to educational psychology. Andrew also finds comfort in body surfing and emphasizes the importance of self-care for parents.

About the episode

Being a parent is full of ups and downs, and one common challenge is when kids lack motivation for school. Professor Andrew says that that is normal through this podcast. As kids grow and change, they’re figuring out what they like and are good at, so it’s natural for their interest in school to go up and down.

Parenting is a big job with lots of different parts. It’s about taking care of your kids and being their cheerleader, helping them when needed, and sometimes being firm with them. Andrew says it’s important to respect each child’s unique qualities and make the most of what they’re good at.

When it comes to getting kids excited about school, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every kid is different, so parents must find what works best for them. Motivation is like having the energy to want to learn, while engagement is putting in the effort to learn. Both are important, but kids have a big say in how motivated and engaged they are.

Teenagers, in particular, often go through a phase where they’re less interested in school. But Professor Andrew says parents shouldn’t give up on them. Encouragement and support from parents can make a big difference, even if kids don’t show it right away.

Sometimes, offering rewards can help get kids excited about learning, but it’s important not to overdo it. Professor Martin suggests balancing rewards from within (like feeling proud of yourself) and those from outside (like getting a prize).

Creating a suitable environment for learning at home is also crucial. This means ensuring quiet places to study, helping with homework, and being supportive when things get tough.

Setting goals can be motivating for kids. Instead of trying to be the best, Professor Martin recommends focusing on being better than you were before. Setting realistic and not-too-hard goals is essential so kids don’t get discouraged.

When things don’t go as planned, it’s okay to step back and think about what could be done differently. Education is a journey, not a race, and staying positive and resilient is critical to keeping kids motivated.

In conclusion

Being a supportive parent is all about understanding that kids go through ups and downs in their motivation for learning. It’s important to respect each child’s unique qualities and find what works best.

By finding a balance between intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, creating a positive learning environment at home, and setting realistic goals, parents can help keep their children motivated and excited about learning.

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