Motivation always seems like something teachers need to instill into our students to keep them interested in topics they may have little interest towards. Many of the students that I have come into my classroom with very little motivation to do mathematics, so I begin my school year with many skill building lessons and activities for students to gain confidence through achievement that is reinforced on a regular basis. Assigning homework and completing assignments successfully can help students gain the confidence needed to learn mathematics because of the trial and error learning curve. The repetition of applying mathematical concepts through challenging examples with immediate feedback of success is important for students to experience. Giving assignments and homework to students "...provides oppurtunites for students to familiarize thenmmselves with new concepts as well as to practice, review and apply what they've learned" (Pittler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2005, p. 167).
Charts detailing student achievement on quizzes and effort seems like a great way to reinforce the motivation to continue working hard while recognizing success (Pittler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2005). Being able to present a chart that correlates student achievement to student effort reminds students of their progress and how it can positively affect their academics. Reinforcing desired behavior through the presentation of graphs and charts that notes their progress in real time. Informing your students of their progress and what more they can do to be successful in the class gives students the opportunity for immediate satisfaction to continuously trying harder.
Behaviorists learn through positive and negative reinforcement, the charts, graphs, and homework assignments give educators the opportunity to give reinforcement. Students can feel a sense of achievement through the completion of short tasks that they are able to accomplish. In my own classes, I assign homework assignments every day for my students where they will also display the work.
Behaviorists learn through positive and negative reinforcement, the charts, graphs, and homework assignments give educators the opportunity to give reinforcement. Students can feel a sense of achievement through the completion of short tasks that they are able to accomplish. In my own classes, I assign homework assignments every day for my students where they will also display the work.
References
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works
(2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
(2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
ChiYuan,
ReplyDeleteI believe mathematics is an area that the technology has embraced. The Internet is full of interactive games that support key math skills. I mentioned in my blog a website that I have used in the past with math teachers in my school district which is called Coolmath and can be found at http://www.coolmath.com. Students cannot get enough of this site. It began as a K-6 math site, but has expanded by adding an age 13-100 expansion site. External stimuli is the central theme of behavorists. Coolmath stimulates students and motivates them to learn mathematical concepts through motivating interactive games. Let me know how you feel about this site.
You wrote about repetition in mathematics. When I taught third grade I found that practicing math facts with timed tests positively impacted my students math achievement. I did not put pressure on my students during these tests. We set goals and worked for improvement. My students were self-motivated to improve their time and accuracy. Occasionally, I would race my students, which the kids loved! I find in the middle school that students are motivated by technology. Using iPod, iPad, or iPhone flash card apps motivates students to practice content and skills. I have found that when parents come to me and ask what they can do to get their child to study, flash cards are often an answer that works.
Tom