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In Karen Miller's Exchange article (January, 2002), "Motivating Adults to Learn," she discusses the reasons why early childhood teachers often are not motivated to learn more in order to improve their performance and offers some strategies to build their motivation, including the following...

* Arrange a visit to another center, perhaps where people could see others using a new method or implementing interesting ideas.

* Identify one or two staff who may be the least resistant and ask them to do a little research/reading on the issue. They will help the others to understand what you are trying to do.

* Build on what is known and commonly done by the group and use long-time teachers as class mentors. Ask people to share ideas and questions in writing on group charts. This helps people feel valued and heard.

* Hold a team-building workshop at your center. It is a good way to ensure that new people on staff feel supported and included.

* Appeal to staff self-interest. Show them how the new practice will make their jobs easier or more effective.

Karen's entire article is now available for reading on our web site at http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/935

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