Everyone needs a number one fan. Children need someone who can help them see their strengths and then use those strengths to be successful. I believe students feel a lot of pressure when it comes to school. They have a hard time believing in themselves, but as teachers I believe that we can help students believe in themselves. When we focus on their strengths and help them to use their strengths they will be successful. We are going to have students from all backgrounds. Some are going to have support from home and others will not. We can be their number fan and help them to succeed.

The quote that sums up my portfolio says, “Recognizing strengths, too, is constructive because a child’s assets are the foundation for future progress” (pg. 253). Pointing out and helping students to see their strengths helps students to know that they can do hard things. It pushes them to be successful, and gives them tools to use at school. Extrinsic motivation, specifically praise, can help students to recognize those strengths. That is why I did my field report project and knowledge construction map on that topic. As a teacher, I need to know the tools that I have to be students number one fan. The connections case study helped me realize that you have to praise students strategies rather than them. When you focus on the method, you help them to see that they can problem solve.

As I read through the chapters, I was looking for the "why" in capitalizing on student's strengths. I found lots of reasons why. For example, it helps them to use their strengths on different assignments so that they can be successful. I learned that in order to capitalize on students strengths you have to focus on what they did right rather than praising them. I think knowing the differences between intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligence can help me accomplish my goal as well because it's all about noticing things in themselves and others. When they learn to notice the good within themselves and others, they will find their strengths, boost their self esteem, and see that they are capable of success. This is why I created a venn diagram comparing these two intelligences. The powerpoint on the ages and stages of development helped me recognize that specifically for children with special needs, praise works the best to motivate them.

I think the biggest take away I've had from this semester long project is the importance of motivation and empathy. We have to have empathy for our students. We have to see where they are coming from and take them as they are. We need to motivate them to do well in school. An education is what will help them get out of the negative environments they find themselves in.

How does capitalizing on a student's strengths help with academic performance?

Can extrinsic motivation be turned into intrinsic motivation? Does extrinsic motivation fit the needs of the majority of students?

How does extrinsic motivation effect intrinsic motivation? Does extrinsic motivation have too many bad effects?

Why is extrinsic motivation important in the classroom? How does extrinsic motivation become intrinsic motivation?

How can bloom's taxonomy help us know how to support our students? How can a supportive learning environment help student's capitalize on their strengths?

What are some methods of extrinsic motivation? What does Piaget have to say about extrinsic motivation?

What are some factors to think as teachers when it comes to child development? How can knowing about child development help with capitalizing on children's strengths?

How can knowing about intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligences help me to tailor my classroom to help student's find their strengths?

What I learned about capitalizing on student's strengths.