Embedded Files
Distinguishing the causes of motivational patterns within a classroom are key to understanding what orientations are being fostered. Different theories of intelligence, challanges, public evaluations and social comparison contribute to these patterns.
1.Entity vs Incremental Theory of Intelligence (Dweck et al.)
-Entity Theory of Intelligence believes that an individual's intelligence is "fixed." A great example of this could be when a student does not understand their math work that student might say, "I am dumb. Math is not for me." Because of this mindset, these students tend to have a performance-avoidance and performance-approach orientation. Individuals with this orientation tend to quickly label/judge others based on their social and moral behavior. It has been found that entity theorists are quick to punish negative behaviors.
-Incremental Theory of Intelligence believes that intelligence is a skill that can continually be developed. For example, if a student does not understand their math work that student might say, "I don't understand it now, but if I practice enough and come to tutoring hours, then I will become skilled at math." Students with this mentality tend to be more mastery goal oriented and tend to find a remedial action rather than a punishment.
2. Self Perception of Ability (Dweck et al.)
-A student's perception of their own ability will impact how they approach learning activities. This goes hand in hand with the Entity and Incremental Theory of Intelligence.
3. Learning Strategies (Ames and Archer)
-When students are taught effective learning strategies, they will be able to succeed and develop a sense of confidence. Classrooms that teach effective learning strategies are classrooms that foster a successful learning environments.
On the other hand, when students are not taught effective learning strategies, they steer toward a performance-avoidance and performance-approach orientation.
4. Task Challenges (Ames and Archer)
-A challenging task can be a positive motivation for a student to learn a new skill and feel accomplished, or it can lead to discouragement. A major cause of motivational patterns is how the students will approach each task. Is it with excitement or is it with fear? For example, a student who enjoys science will get excited about the science fair project. However, a student who struggles with science will most likely become overwhelmed and discouraged.
5. Social Comparison and Public Evaluation (Ames and Archer)
Within a classroom the educator has the ability to create either a mastery/learning orientation or a performance orientation. When the focus of the class is on social comparison and on publicly displaying scores, this can lead to a performance-approach orientation. Students may strive to be seen as “smart,” but when they do not achieve the outcomes they expect, a sense of failure and low self-worth can develop. In this approach, students mistakes are seen negatively and cause a sense of public humiliation. Eventually, this can lead to a performance-avoidance orientation.
On the other hand, when educators shift the focus to meeting each student’s individual learning goals, this will lead to a mastery/learning orientation. Students will begin to understand that skills can be mastered and developed through practice. In this setting, the student’s focus is not on appearing “smart,” but rather to grow as individuals. Students understand that mistakes are not equal to failure, they are simply part of learning.
Reference
Ames, Carole, and Jennifer Archer. “Achievement goals in the classroom: Students’ learning strategies and motivation processes.” Journal of Educational Psychology, vol. 80, no. 3, Sept. 1988, pp. 260–267, https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.80.3.260.
Dweck, Carol S., et al. “Implicit theories and their role in judgments and reactions: A word from two perspectives.” Psychological Inquiry, vol. 6, no. 4, Oct. 1995, pp. 267–285, https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327965pli0604_1.
-https://learningandexperienceblog.wordpress.com/calvin-in-the-classroom/
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse