While growing up, I always struggled with staying motivated. Whether I was supposed to study for a test, practice the piano, or get extra shots up in the gym, I was more concerned about the consequences than about completing the task. I was always worried about my teacher being upset or failing to perform on the basketball court. I was motivated by failure avoidance.
This is why I related to the Deep Dive presentation on student motivation. When they explained the motives that students have to be successful, I was able to see myself in the failure avoidance tactic. However, in recent years, as my self-efficacy grew and I got to choose the tasks I was a part of, I then found motivation through wanting to learn the most I could and be the best I could be.
I believe that having the experience of being motivated for the wrong and right reasons will have a great impact on how I teach my future students. As a future teacher, I believe that I must understand strategies that can be used to increase student motivation. Student motivation goes hand in hand with self-efficacy, meaning that a classroom environment that puts the students in the position to succeed is imperative. For example, if a student is writing a story but has trouble writing, providing them with the opportunity to complete the story using technology or drawing is a great way to improve the student's self-efficacy.
We are very lucky as future teachers to have many resources to help students succeed. When I was in school, lessons were taught the same way, and assessments were completed the same. Using the technology and resources that are available to us, we have the opportunity to change the lesson to interest the students, create an environment where they can succeed, and encourage the students with different strategies if they are struggling. This will overall increase their self-efficacy and their motivation.
ElliotC@OTU
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