Motivation_in_the_Making

Sarah Perkett EDU213 August 2, 2012 James Narlock Motivation in the Making Motivation. J. Ormrod defines motivation as, “something that energizes, directs, and sustains behavior; it gets people moving, points them in a particular direction, and keeps them going”. (Ormrod. 2014). However, motivation is not a characteristic that comes naturally, especially when life events can dictate a positive or negative motivational outcome. In scenario one, Caitlin’s lack of motivation seems to stem from the divorce of her parents, in addition to moving to a new area with her mother, which resulted in attending a new school. The lack of motivation to be engaged in the classroom is certainly understood, however, the potential to become motivated can be accomplished through understanding, compassion, and being educated on motivational approaches by Daran Brown. Abraham Maslow’s “Theory of Human Motivation” includes five layers of needs, which he concluded are very similar to personal instincts (Cherry.2013). Since they are similar, they seem to play a major role in motivating one’s behavior. The five layers, designed in the shape of a pyramid, begin with the lowest level which includes one’s basic needs, concluding with the more complex needs situated at the top. The lowest level is the physiological need which includes needs that are important to survival (breathing, eating, and sleep). Second, is the personal security need. This need includes safety and security. Some examples include, a steady job, health care, a safe environment, and shelter. Level three is the love or belonging need. Sometimes this can also be referred to as the social need. These needs include a feeling of belonging, love, affection, friendship and family. Level four addresses the esteem need. This need addresses things that reflect self-esteem, personal worth, confidence, and respect of and for others. At the top of the pyramid is the need of self-actualization. At this level people are self-aware, creative, and spontaneous, strive for personal growth, lack prejudice, and accept facts. (google images. 2013) In explaining Caitlin lack of motivation to Daran, I would point out that according to Maslow’s theory, Caitlin has a lack of motivation to learn History because she has had no control or choice in what is happening to her personal needs. It wasn’t choice for her parents to divorce, and it is a great possibility that she had not choice in moving. Therefore, why would she have any choice in what happens in the classroom with her studies' There are a few ways in motivating Caitlin. First, trust would need to be proven between teacher and student. Forming a trustworthy relationship is the beginning of success. From there, exploring what did motivate Caitlin would enable Daran to understand whether she was intrinsically or extrinsically motivated. The importance of Daran communicating how he felt Caitlin was a bright student would show her that she was capable of pulling an A instead of a C. Some suggestions would be including her in the planning or designing of an activity. A great way to find out how she is motivated is to engage her in creating a scene and finding fellow students who will play different parts that reflect a time period in history. This would give Caitlin a sense of control. Other ways of motivating would be using positive competition, creating a threat-free environment, and even deemphasize grades. Knowing students, their needs, desires, and passions makes a great difference in motivating them to learn. Being excited for them, setting high but attainable goals, and encouraging self-reflection, gives the student the sense and desire to persevere. With Caitlin, taking the time to understand the events outside of the classroom will enable the teacher to motivate her, in her own way, in a positive direction. References Cherry, Kendra (2013). Hierarchy of Needs. The Five Levels of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Retrieved August 5, 2013 from http://psychology.about.com/od/theoriesofpersonality/a/hierarchyneeds.htm Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid. Image. (2013) Retrieved August 3, 2013 from www.thyseo.com Ormrod, J. (2014). Educational psychology: developing learners. (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.