Motivate Without Rewards

We all want our students to learn intrinsically but so often kids think in terms of rewards in order to achieve.  We're not talking just prizes, snacks, etc., but also grades.  We would like kids to learn and master difficult concepts.  Author, Linda Flanagan, says that often children lose confidence in themselves because the adults in their lives make decisions for them.  Interesting article and certainly one worth reading.




How Teachers Can Motivate Students of Any Age.  Linda Flanagan. 10.22.13.  MindShift
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/10/how-teachers-can-motivate-students-of-any-age/

Here's a Lesson From Baseball

Are your students motivated?  Why Not?  In today's world, 'learning to learn' in a school setting may not be all that exciting, but in a sports setting, Yes!  Although the Giants are not my favorite team (And I'm a baseball fan; thank you Brewers for a wonderful season!), here's a lesson we can all learn from.  Teachers:  Use this with your unmotivated students.  They may connect with Tim Lincecum and what he has gone through. (Or if you are a Brewer fan, there are stories here too; your kids will know them if you don't.)

What We Can All Learn from a No-Hitter.  Sherri Devine. 6.26.14. Tch TeachingChannel
https://www.teachingchannel.org/blog/2014/06/26/learn-from-a-no-hitter/

Motivating Students' Minds

Although this article is based on interviews with hundreds of teenagers, we can assume many younger Title I students fit the same pattern.  And what is that pattern?  Most significant learning is usually not happening in the classroom.  The obvious next step for schools to look at school curriculum and find the places that inspire and motivate students to learn. From the University of California - Los Angels Center for Mental Health comes this idea in equation form...
            V    x        E          =        M
        Value x Expectation = Motivation
Researchers used this equation to analyze lessons presented to the research group.  There is so much more in this article.  Please read and reflect on what your Title I students are seeking in the lessons you offer.  Share your reflections in Comments.

Minds on Fire.  Kathleen Cushman. December 2013/January 2014.  ASCD Educational Leadership
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/dec13/vol71/num04/Minds-On-Fire.aspx