Motivation is the key to successful learning. When students aren't motivated, they become uninterested in learning and begin to suffer in their academics. In order to ensure students are achieving to the best of their abilities, teachers must try to keep them motivated. If you're a teacher who is faced with a class of unmotivated students, use a variety of strategies to spark your students' interest and encourage a desire to learn.

Set goals with students. Ask students what it is that they hope to achieve from class and remind them of their goals. When children have goals, they are more apt to stay motivated in order to achieve those goals.

Make learning an enjoyable experience. Plan lessons and activities that are engaging and interest students. When students are presented with information in a way that interests them, they are more likely to have a desire to learn.

Show enthusiasm in teaching and learning. Bring energy and a positive attitude into lessons and activities. Students are more likely to be motivated about learning when their teacher is motivated about the subject matter.

Be respectful and show interest in students' work and their progress. Let students know that you are genuinely interested in their education and that you want what is best for them. If they exhibit difficulty, be respectful of their hardships and offer help and guidance in a caring way.

Reward and praise students for a job well done. Offer pats on the back, high fives and simple verbal praises when students are performing well. Offer simple prizes or rewards when students are on the right track for a specified period of time. Stickers, pencils and extended recess are all examples of rewards that you can offer.