In their role as motivators, Bible teachers follow God’s command to spur one another on to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24). That certainly does require teachers to first “consider how” to do that. It may be good to start with what is the best way to motivate students based on age level developmental factors.
How Developmental Factors of People at Different Ages Affect Motivation
Regardless of the age level being taught, Bible teachers can spur their students on in their walk with God.
- All ages can feel and express love but their emotional, mental and social developmental abilities and needs will affect the depth of their understanding of love and the way they’re able to show it.
- They can all do good but their physical, mental, and social developmental characteristics at the various age levels will affect what they can do.
Connect with where students are developmentally so you know what they’re capable of doing next. People usually can’t truly understand much more than one step ahead of where they are. If you push them to do something unachievable, the frustration or discouragement they feel could actually de-motivate rather than motivate.
Order the Bible Teacher’s Role Download to see how psychosocial development affects students’ motivation at the different age levels from preschool children to senior adults. In addition to input on the teacher’s role as a motivator, this resource looks at seven other roles teachers might assume to have the greatest impact on people’s lives.