Analysis of Calvin
Calvin's Motivational Pattern
Calvin's behaviors in the classroom indicate he has a Performance Avoidance style pattern. In this situation, Calvin is using a self handicapping approach to justify his low score. He doesn’t want to try to get good grades because he knows there will be a higher expectation put on him and he will be judged for not succeeding. Because low effort is a sufficient reason for failure, when someone puts in a lot of effort and still fails, they feel worse and lose confidence (Covington).
Why does he have this pattern?
Calvin seems to have a Performance Avoidance style because of a few factors:
1. Friends and Family Influence
Calvin's friends make him feel like he's not an intelligent person. Because of this, he wants to do whatever it takes to avoid looking unintelligent (self-worth theory).
What can Ms. Wormwood do to help?
Ms. Wormwood can help Calvin with his friends by fostering an environment that shows that everyone is supporti that bullying ive of oner and by showing anothes not ok.
2. Lack of interest in School subjects
Calvin has no interest in the subjects he is learning in school, therefore, needs to be more motivated in class.
What can Ms. Wormwood do to help?
Ms. Wormwood can help Calvin with his not being interested in the subjects by doing Calvin in doing their work. By this it will motivate calvin and show him that assingments that can be fun.
3. "Sea of red" from the teacher
Ms. Wormwood gives Calvin awful grades that make him feel unintelligent as well as hurt his feelings, without any notes on how to improve. This also encourages Calvin to avoid looking unintelligent.
What can Ms. Wormwood do to help?
Ms. Wormwood can help Calvin with his grades by giving him notes on how he can improve so he does better on each test and each assignment she can also give him extra help to see why he is getting these grades. As each assignment comes back this will start to help Calvin and give him more motivation in class