In my Reading Education class, I did my inquiry project on motivation to read. Some of what I found that helps motivate students to read can be applied to motivation to learn in general. Teachers must provide an environment that enhances learning, but I think the most important factor is student choice. This works for reading and for any other subject. If the students have a little bit of choice or a lot of choice in what they are doing to learn, they will be much more excited to participate and learn the material.
I think the most helpful theories of motivation are humanism and efficacy vs. value. Humanism is helpful because if our students are not getting the basic physiological needs or other needs, they are going to have a hard time learning because they will be distracted. If we can address those needs, they will be more willing to learn. I also think efficacy vs. value is helpful because students must see that the task/information will benefit them and believe that they can accomplish/learn it, and this comes with help from the teacher.
Here are some helpful articles related to motivation to read:
Gambrell, Linda
and Marinak, Barbara. (2009). “Reading Motivation: What the Research
Says.” Retrieved November 18, 2012. http://www.readingrockets.org/article/29624/
Gambrell, Linda
and Marinak, Barbara. (2009). “Simple Practices to Nurture the Motivation
to Read.” Retrieved November 18,
2012. http://www.readingrockets.org/article/29625/
“Motivating Kids
to Read.” Retrieved November 18,
2012. http://www.rif.org/us/literacy-resources/articles/motivating-kids-to-read.htm
This is also a helpful article on motivation in general:
I agree with everthing you say. I like how you have related motivation to reading. There are many kids out there who do not like to read, and finding a way to motivate them or give them a reward it might get them to start reading.
ReplyDeleteJust to add to your comment, we will all face the kids that cannot read (even in high school). Those will be the true challenges and will test our methods of motivation.
DeleteI'm glad that you were able to link your reading education class to these theories of motivation! These are great resources as well. I really think that choice is super-important and super-critical, especially with our students who need to build intrinsic motivation.
ReplyDeleteEmily, I also linked the motivation slides with our reading class. Motivation was a huge topic in class pretty much everyday. Our jobs is to motivate kids in school. Especially reading. I agree with you and choice will help the kids enjoy what they do. They need to pick books they are interested in or choose a topic for a project. Interesting post!
ReplyDelete