Estudantes universitários com dificuldades de aprendizagem: como motivá-los?

Abstract

The present study has as main objective to identify and analyze evidence of lack of motivation to learn of students with learning difficulties, in order to develop intervention strategies that may lead them to the highest level of learning. The theoretical reference is based on studies of Psychopedagogy, Human Development, especially in young adulthood; Motivational Theories in Contemporary, as well as contributing in positive psychology theory and psychopedagogy, interventions to increase motivation to learn. This work has a qualitative character, using the case study as a methodological approach. The survey was conducted with six students in young adulthood, between 20 and 40 years with learning difficulties of a large university in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The instrument used was a semi-structured interview consisting of eight semi-open questions, which was constituted after de-recording in statements analyzed using content analysis by Bardin. From the analysis of the interviews was possible to identify five categories: learning disabilities, family, affection, meaningful learning and positive psychology. Learning difficulties appeared as a factor of motivation to learn, especially Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The motivation can also cause learning disabilities. The family appears as a protective factor to the student, a positive effect on their motivation to learn. The affection appears also as an important factor both in family relationships, such as teacher/student relationship. Meaningful learning, in line with the positive psychology contributes to reflection on effective interventions to increase students' motivation to learn. The role of the teacher is extremely important in motivating students to learn together, as well as the strategies he used to energize the class.