i need to write a res. paper on motivators...teachers, computers, parents..what else?

Question

Hi.

I need to write a 5 page research paper about motivators: teachers, parents, computers, etc. etc. any ideas or feedback you want to share.. The whole thing is motivating students to learn.

Answer 1

This doesn't sound very logical. I think you should look at the difference between Behaviorist and Cognitive classrooms. It's the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. I don't think your profs are really looking for "computers" here- I think they want you to research the actual theories of motivation in learning. If you're not interested in going that deep, I suggest you focus you research on one area of student motivation. Token economies would be very simple and there is lots of research out there on the subject.

Answer 2

I use a just about anything to help my students get motivated. Here are some things that I have noticed, used, or know that others have used.

Positive reinforcement - praise, rewards, priveldges, recognition, prizes, etc.

discipline - dententions, phone calls home, grounding, extra work, loss of points, etc. loss of privelges.

tailoring things to the students interest - if they like the topic or enoy doing something - its easier to get them to do it.

peer helpers and peer pressure

variety - introducing something out of the norm can sometimes give students the mental break they need while still learning. Try new methods of teaching, educational games and activities, student led activities, crafty projects, etc.

challenges and competitions

all sorts of things can motivate kids from a desire to please, gain acceptance, avoid nagging and punishment, fear of failure, etc. to personal satistfaction.

hope this is what you were looking for.

Answer 3

YOURSELF. If you understand yourself, your wants, your needs, your past, your present, and your future....then this plays a very important motivator.