Behavior+and+Motivation

Behavior and Motivation

For this journal entry, think from a student AND teacher perspective.

What motivates US as students?

What motivates US as teachers?

 Cheri: Especially in high school students are motivated only when they feel they will gain something, be it useful knowledge, a skill, or something they will derive enjoyment out of. I usually do not have a hard time convincing my students about the value of something I am teaching e to my subject are of life skills but that still not exempt me form sometimes having to plead with my students about the potential value of a lecture. About 2 years ago we were required to pare down our power standards in each class, this really made me think out what is really important for the students to learn. They can go to any computer and get facts but it is truly the processing and analyzing of information and the critical thinking skills that are impotent

My students motivate me, if I walk into school in the morning in a bad mood, not wanting to be at school, as soon as I receive my first “Hey, Mrs. Frankwick”; I am in a better mood. Making a difference in my student’s lives is what motivates me.

Amy: As a student in this class I have been motivated by hands-on activities and any assignment that personally relates to my own teaching. I was really excited to do my field study this summer because it was something I knew I would use in my classroom every week. I had wanted to organize my spelling for a long time. We have a spelling program that has chunk sorting activities, but we are also responsible for the first grade priority sight words. I combined them together and came up with weekly lists. Then I correlated it with the website "Starfall" that we already used. Next I searched and found a website called "Spelling City" where I could input my newly created lists and then the kids can play games or test themselves. Finally I created weekly spelling sentences that included the week's chunk and priority words that could be used as an assessment. It was very motivating and my team and I were pleased with the result. As a teacher I am motivated by my students. The funny things they say keep me laughing. I love when they are so suprised when they get an answer right or when they are so excited after figuring out a word! That is what keeps me motivated. I also have to say that being able to discuss/reflect with colleagues during this grad class has motivated me and given me ideas and energy. All too often, teachers feel isolated and have no time to share ideas or success as well as frustrations. I have a co-teacher right in my classroom and most of the time we have too much work to accomplish that we do not take the time to reflect.

Jennifer: As a student I am motivated when I read an article or watch a documentary on a subject I either don't know anything about or know a little about and find interesting. For example, recently I read an article in the National Geographic on Epigenetics (the study of changes in the gene activity that do not involve alterations to the genetic code but still get passed down to at least one successive generation). I found this subject so interesting that I have been looking up more information about it on the internet and then staying up way past my bed time reading about it. Like Amy I too want to share what I am learning and make connections to both my job and my life. As a teacher I am motivated when I see a new project that I want to try, knowing that the kids will get excited about the project too. Another motivator for me as a teacher is solving all of the problems, the technical art problems, the "how to teach it" problems and the individual student problems. I am highly motivated to figure things out and get that feeling of success. If you want to learn more about epigenetics and its possible cures for disease watch the 13 minute video at the link below. []

Christa: As a teacher: The education profession can be very demanding and often under appreciated. So, what "fuels" educators to continue teaching? For me, the biggest fuel is having an effect or impact on a student’s future. Teachers have the opportunity to mold the future every day in their classrooms. Especially being a kindergarten teacher, I feel as though I have the opportunity to set the precedence or positively build the foundation of my students’ educational journey. Another “fuel” for me would be my students’ successes. Being able to witness student success is a huge motivator in driving a teacher to continue. Seeing a student, who previously did not understand a concept and now learned it through my help and teaching, is a very rewarding feeling. Also, being able to “reach” a student who has maybe been thought of as “a lost cause” or seen as un-teachable really makes all of the hard work worthwhile. Another huge “fuel” for my teaching would be the intangible rewards that come along with the job. I often feel encouraged by the “little things,” or small rewards that I receive from teaching kindergarten; the silly things they do, the funny things that they say, the innocent questions that they ask, and the stories that they tell. Along with these treasures, I also cherish the cards, letters, drawings, homemade books, and small tokens of affection- the hugs, smiles, and laughter that I receive in the kindergarten classroom.

As a student: One “fuel” that drives and motivates me as a learner is an energizing environment. I enjoy the fact that our profession keeps us constantly engaged, and always looking for new and creative ways, to accomplish a task. I like the idea that teachers are life-long learners, always looking for chances to grow, evolve, and better ourselves and our practices. I believe that this positive outlook and enthusiasm for learning, whether it come from our students, administration, other staff, or within ourselves, will remind us of why we went into this profession and why we continue to go back and learn more/ improve each day!