Motivational phrases for students: what teachers should say and not say!

The job of a teacher is not an easy one. I can say that for sure. In addition, it gets even more challenging when they want to engage their students. There are phrases that teachers use that help spark this engagement and phrases that are a no-no if they want their students to continue paying attention to them.

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I believe in you! Who wouldn’t want to hear this phrase especially when it comes from their teacher? By using this phrase, the teacher shows their trust to the student and consequently the student builds self-confidence. What’s more to ask?

I am listening! Now this is a phrase that every student wants to hear from their teacher. It means that they are being heard and also makes them feel important. They are getting the attention they seek and as a result they see the relationship with their teacher as collaboration.

Thank you! When a teacher thanks their students for something they have done, they are giving them feedback on their work and participation in the classroom. Therefore, the students are willing to keep up the good work and help as part of a community.

Do you like it? Why is this a key phrase for students? Because, it doesn’t matter if you as teachers like it. What does matter is for the students to like their own work. Asking that teaches them to have their own preferences and discover their unique self.

Do you want me to help you? That’s a very important one. It allows students to use your help only when and if they want to. To all teachers: only interfere when a student asks for your help or clearly shows that they are ready to give up on their task. Sometimes, teachers tend to jump in and help before it’s really necessary. Observe your students, give them time to think, and only help them if asked. In this way, you help them build their problem-solution skill.

Moving on to the phrases you should avoid using as a teacher, let me clear something up. There are times that teachers are being hard on their students or use the wrong words. That doesn’t make them bad teachers. Nevertheless, avoiding certain phrases can improve the relationship between them and their students.

That’s a stupid question. I don’t think we need an explanation about this one. No question is stupid. Even if you have already addressed this question 100 times, it’s a good idea to engage your students by asking them questions to get to the answer themselves or even subtly directing them to the correct answer.

I am disappointed in you. First of all, what should matter is what the students think of themselves. Such a phrase can’t help them build their self-esteem. Instead, you can lower your expectations and ask them what it is they want and intend to do. That puts the focus on them and their opinion and not you.

“Anna/Philip” is better than you. Never compare. Everyone is unique with their own skills and strengths. The same applies to your students. You don’t want bad competition among them, nor the desire to be better just to be the first in class. What you want is to make them reach their full potential and believe in themselves.

Good job! What is this phrase doing here? The reason I don’t like it is because it creates external approval. That is, it doesn’t focus on making the students happy with themselves but it makes them wait for the teacher’s approval or judgment in order to be satisfied with themselves. It praises. It doesn’t acknowledge. See the difference?

That’s wrong! Can’t you get it right? Do I have to explain why this is bad tactics? Just imagine the anxiety this creates. Which student wouldn’t feel embarrassed upon hearing this in front of the whole classroom? It is like they are being punished for not answering correctly. What you can do here is show them the way to get it right next time. Yes, discipline is necessary. On the other hand, punishment is not.

These are the phrases that I find useful teachers should use or avoid when it comes to their students. Comment down below and let me know what phrases you use. Like and share this article with your friends.