Unlocking Student Motivation: Actionable Classroom Strategies from Ross Braun
Understanding the Roots of Student Motivation
Key Insight:
“A lack of motivation doesn’t mean a student doesn’t care. Behavior is communication.” — Ross Braun
Actionable Advice:
Look Beyond the Surface: When a student appears unmotivated, don’t assume apathy. Instead, ask: What is this behavior communicating? Is it boredom, frustration, fear of failure, or something else?
Investigate Underlying Causes:Use open-ended questions and one-on-one conversations to uncover what’s really going on. Sometimes, the root cause is as simple as a student not feeling seen or valued.
Avoid One-Size-Fits-All Solutions:Recognize that every student’s motivation is unique. What works for one may not work for another.
Expert Tip:
Ross emphasizes that educators must become “behavior detectives,” seeking to understand the why behind each student’s actions.
Building Relationships: The Foundation of Motivation
Key Insight:
“If you have a relationship with a student, you can have a conversation about why they’re rushing or disengaged. Without that relationship, consequences alone won’t work.”
Actionable Advice:
Prioritize Connection Over Compliance: Before addressing academic issues, invest time in building trust and rapport. Greet students by name, show genuine interest in their lives, and celebrate their individuality.
Consistent Check-Ins: Make it a habit to check in with students regularly not just when problems arise. Ask about their weekend, their interests, or how they’re feeling about school.
Leverage Small Incentives: Motivation doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes, a favorite snack or a simple privilege can be a powerful motivator—if it’s tied to a relationship and understanding of what matters to the student.
Expert Tip:
Ross and the hosts share that even lighthearted incentives (like Taco Bell or chicken biscuits) can be effective when they’re personal and rooted in genuine connection.
Personalizing Effort and Success
Key Insight:
“Effort can’t be measured the same way for every student. Each child’s background, experiences, and challenges are different.”
Actionable Advice:
Set Individualized Goals:Instead of holding every student to the same standard, work with them to set achievable, personalized goals. This could mean breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Redefine Success: Celebrate progress, not just perfection. For some students, completing an assignment is a huge win; for others, it might be participating in class or asking for help.
Avoid Public Comparisons:Never compare students’ efforts or achievements in front of their peers. Focus on individual growth and personal bests.
Expert Tip:
Ross suggests that “small wins” are essential for building momentum. Success breeds motivation, while repeated failure leads to disengagement.
The Power of Recognition and Small Wins
Key Insight:
“Students want to be seen, valued, and heard. Recognition and connection are more motivating than external rewards alone.”
Actionable Advice:
Celebrate Incremental Progress: Acknowledge effort and improvement, no matter how small. Use specific praise (“I noticed you worked really hard on that paragraph!”) rather than generic compliments.
Use Rewards Thoughtfully: Don’t shy away from positive reinforcement. Adults reward themselves for progress—why shouldn’t students? The key is to make rewards meaningful and tied to effort, not just outcomes.
Create a Culture of Recognition: Build classroom rituals that highlight effort and growth, such as “Student of the Week” or “Effort Shout-Outs.”
Expert Tip:
Ross challenges the notion that students should be motivated “just because.” He points out that adults use rewards all the time—so it’s both natural and effective to do the same for students.
Transparent Conversations About Effort
Key Insight:
“Normalize conversations about effort. Make it a regular part of classroom culture, not just something you discuss when there’s a problem.”
Actionable Advice:
Proactive Discussions: Talk about effort and persistence from day one. Share stories of your own struggles and how you overcame them.
Model Vulnerability: Admit when you find something challenging and show how you work through it. This helps students see that effort is valued at every level.
Empathy First: Approach conversations about effort with empathy, not judgment. Ask students how they feel about their work and what support they need.
Expert Tip:
Ross believes that empathy must start with adults. When teachers model understanding and compassion, students are more likely to internalize those values.
Supporting Educators: Reigniting Your Own Motivation
Key Insight:
“It’s normal for teachers to lose motivation or joy. You don’t have to face it alone.”
Actionable Advice:
Seek Out Collaboration: Don’t isolate yourself. Reach out to colleagues, join educator communities online, and share your struggles and successes.
Observe and Learn:Visit other classrooms both in your school and virtually. Seeing different teaching styles and strategies can spark new ideas and reignite your passion.
Set Manageable Goals: Focus on “baby steps.” Celebrate small victories in your teaching practice, just as you do with students.
Expert Tip:
Ross encourages educators to remember that incremental progress is still progress. Don’t underestimate the power of small, positive changes.
The Transformative Power of Listening
Key Insight:
“Sometimes the most powerful thing a teacher can do is to listen—really listen—to a student’s story.”
Actionable Advice:
Create Safe Spaces: Let students know they can come to you with their concerns, without fear of immediate judgment or punishment.
Practice Active Listening:When a student shares, give them your full attention. Resist the urge to “fix” the problem right away; sometimes, being heard is what they need most.
Prioritize Human Connection: Don’t sacrifice relationships for the sake of covering every academic standard. Supporting a student in need is always worth the time.
Expert Tip:
Ross shares that as a principal, he often found that students just needed someone to listen. This simple act can prevent behavioral issues and build lasting trust.
Final Takeaways: Love, Presence, and Community
Key Insight:
“I love you and I’m here for you.” — Ross Braun
Actionable Advice:
Express Care Openly: Don’t underestimate the impact of telling students you care about them. Many come to school lacking this affirmation in their lives.
Be Present: Show up for your students—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. Your presence can be a lifeline.
Lean on Your Community: Remember, you’re not alone. Reach out to colleagues, connect with educators online, and don’t hesitate to ask for help or inspiration.
Expert Tip:
The hosts and Ross remind educators that education is fundamentally about relationships—between teachers and students, among colleagues, and within the broader school community.
Conclusion: Your Role as a Motivator and Changemaker
Motivation isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. It’s a dynamic, deeply personal process rooted in relationships, recognition, and empathy. As Ross Braun and the "Guitars The Flip Side Podcast" hosts so passionately discuss, the most effective educators are those who see the whole child, celebrate every step forward, and never stop believing in the power of connection.
