normal motivation for 15 yr old boy

[ebm]

What is the biggest motivating factor for a 15 yr old boy to want to do well in school when they have ability?

[MWB]

Parents who are encouraging.

[MWB]

Lead by example. Be consistent.

[Ice.Maiden]

Although my eldest boy isn't as old as yours, I've always encouraged and motivated him by taking an interest in his work, and showing him ways of producing it in an interesting and neat way.
When he was little, I used to have a star chart at home, and when he reached a certain amount, he'd be rewarded with extra pocket money.
Now that he's older, I encourage him to do his best, without pushing him too far. I think children always end up doing worse if you make them stressed about things.
Your son's 15. How about telling him that if he gets his GCSE passes, he'll get driving lessons when he's old enough - or something that that he really wants. Gives you time to save up as well!

[ELVIS68]

Take him to MacDonalds and while you are at the counter tell him he will be working there if he doesn`t do well at school

[MWB]

You didn't spoil your youngest did you , goodbye girl?

[Ice.Maiden]

You're not going to have all 4 children being exactly the same gbg. Perhaps your son finds the work too difficult? Have you spoken with his teachers - and with him - to make sure that he's not being bullied? I say this, because although kids love to play on games consoles, if they have plenty of friends - or at least one good one - children of that age usually want to be out doing things for a good part of the time. Ours are encouraged to play sports of their choice, and both play music, so I suppose that keeps them occupied much of the time, but don't despair. Your son could shine in other ways, even if not academically. x

[curiosity]

My Son was the same, and although he has ability he did as little as possible to get through and stay out of trouble. Leading up to his exams, I talked about the day in August when the results are out and everyone is buzzing and pleased with their acheivements (his sister is a year older and he remembered everyone doing this), and how he might kick himself for not revising, if he finds he doesnt do as well as he wanted. I offered money in increments for each grade he could get from C to A* (he was predicted passes in everything so I wasn't setting him up to fail) He did knuckle down more (not really enough but more!) and he got 2 A* 1 A 6 Bs and a C. He was chuffed with this, and we were really pleased for him. If you mean generally rather than for exams. I would ask him what he sees is his desired lifestyle when he's older. If he says own house, car, holidays, family etc then mention how much this might cost, and what he should be aiming to earn, then what careers would give him this, then what results he needs to get to enter into that field or course. He might refocus his motivation. Good Luck to him.

[ELVIS68]

goodbyegirl...I was the youngest of four and was the worst at school

Every school report read the same...

"If he spent as much time concentrating in lessons as he does playing the class joker then he will do well"

I encourage my kids as much as possible and it seems to be working but looking back...would I change anything?.....Nah

[Ice.Maiden]

Yes curiousity - exactly. However, I think I'd say to anyone with this problem - check that your child's happy first of all. Also, teens can be very moody and stroppy, and not really want to do much re. school work. I was like that myself, but pulled it together at the last moment. If the child's generally bright enough, then even if they fail some of their exams, you know that they can go to college and re-sit teh necessary. Too much pressure doesn't work, but lots of encouragement and a reward system often DOES.

[pinktwink]

it may be no harm to have your son tested to check if he has any understanding or learning needs which make school harder. If this is fine its no harm doing a reward chart. Say for every two hours studies he gets points which at the end of the week he can exchange for a reward. Take him on educational outings museums etc. Have a family quiz nigth.
GBG try limiting his use of X box so he can only use it after homework done. Children need firm rules and boundaries and one could be no TV or X box until after homework

[Ice.Maiden]

Yes, I agree with pink there. His hesitance to want to do any work may be because, as I said myself, he finds the work too much for him. Sometimes, children are able to hide the inability to do things very well, so having a look at the quality of work, not the quantity, could be a good indication of any underlying problems.
The idea about taking him/all your children out on educational trips is very good. It doesn't have to cost much either. There are museums and galleries which are free to the public, and most areas have places of interest.

[ELVIS68]

I left school with exam results that would make the late Jade Goody proud!...I did various jobs in the first few years earning peanuts...I`m lucky enough now to have a job which pays well but that`s only because I told a few lies about my qualifications, but seriously...kids see footballers earning �50k a week and think they can do that too and lose interest in school and exams