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Sunday, March 20, 2011

Chapter 11 in Learning and Cognition - Motivation Theory

In the field of education, it is of vital importance to understand motivation theory and how human motivated behavior can help students and teachers in the classroom. The most interesting concept to me is that of achievement behavior – the fear of failure, the hope for achievement and even the fear of success. I have watched countless students struggle with the fear of failure to where they unwittingly perpetuate their fear. The self-worth theory from Covington also discusses how the feelings of the students can actually impede their own learning efforts. As educators, I wonder how we can help motivate students to increase their own self-worth. Decrease their fear of failure and realize exactly how talented they truly are?

7 comments:

  1. The only suggestion I can make is to give 3 compliments to each critics. My college music history teacher taught this way and taught us to try to teach this way. By building up the ego with 3 praises for each redirection we are able to help the student remember they do have self worth and are able to perform at the level we require of them.

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  2. I have seen so many teachers that have helped foster students fear of failure, and helped to beat the student down, thinking they are helping the student. I have always felt that we need to build the students up to help them succeed. I always try to let the students know when they are doing well. I also try to leave each students with positives about what they have accomplished each day. The more successful the students feel, the more they try to succeed.

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  3. I might sound corny, but I think it's always good to remind them that the decisions they make will affect "them" and "their" lives. Sometimes students fear what other's might say or think to the point of not even trying because they might not perform like so and so or they might sound or look funny or that's not what mom and dad want me to do or be. In the long run what they work for and end up doing will affect them and only them, no matter who screams, kicks or jumps, they will be the ones living with the consequences.

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  4. I firmly believe a teacher can really help or hurt the student as far as motivation and their self esteem. As a teacher I have always been taught that it is extremely important to correct students however it should always be followed by praise or what was done correctly. You did this wrong however you demonstrated excellence in these areas. I also think it should be private and not said in front of other students.

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  5. Wow! All of you had great suggestions! I agree that it is so important as a teacher to actually help our students. I always feel bad when I have a student that has no self confidence when it comes to learning. I know that somewhere a teacher hasn't been able to reach them and I make sure that I try my hardest to not let them leave without some kind of empowerment.

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  6. Jessica first I'd like to say that you did a great job as a resident expert of this very interesting subject. I think motivation is so important for student success. I believe that in today's society children are constantly competing in all areas of their lives that in some cases that fear of failure kicks in. Once that fear becomes part of what a child is feeling, I believe it can become a difficult task to help that children get some of the confident lost, back into his/her life. If more teachers would implement the tools available for them to help motivate children in the classroom, I strongly believe more children would be motivated to learn. I also believe that creating a competitive situation in a classroom can sometimes hinder a child's learning because not everyone likes to be competive in the classroom. I hope this makes sense.

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  7. The three most important things a teacher can do is build a trusting relationship with the student, set clear expectations, and coach throughout the learning process. When a student feels safe they know they can reveal their weaknesses. These weaknesses can be voiced through fear or witnessed as the student tries new skills. Clear expectations allow the student to have something in which to aim and coaching along the way allows them to get the feedback they need for continued growth.

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