"Motivation is the key"
This seems to be a pretty cliche saying. People say it all the time, but does it really help?
My brother has had trouble with school for the longest time. Everyone knew he was completely capable of doing anything but he never seemed to do anything better. However, this year he turns 16 and he has the urge to drive. So this past summer they made a deal with him. As long as he keeps his grades at A's and B's he can take driver's ed and get his permit. Evidently it worked. He has kept high grades since the beginning of the school year and is continuing to do so. He now has his permit and is beginning behind the wheel.
He was motivated to get good grades by wanting to drive. Even though he is motivated by a reward, does that make it bad? I think it is good for him. Not only does he get what he wants, but my parents did, and they all get the reassurance that he can do well and can do anything if he puts his mind to it.
I think students, like my brother, are able to do anything they want and as a teacher you should encourage them to do so. The encouragement can even be providing the motivation.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Would there be a logical connection between being a responsible school citizen generally (i.e. showing up, passing grades, minimal behavioral problems, etc.) and the right to drive for all students? Why should students have the freedoms of a society, like driving, if they aren't accepting the responsibilities for being a part of it, like being as good of a student as possible? I have thought that using the driver's license generally as a privilege as opposed to a right might, indeed, be a good motivator for all students.
Post a Comment