"Observations of Motivation Strategies"

Behavior /Observed?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Promises Rewards /He did not promise rewards
-Threatens Punishment /If they were loud or did not pay attention they could not
draw on the board
-Provides Goals For A Task /He did not provide goals for the tasks
-Provides Rewards /He smiled and allowed them to draw on the board
-Provides Praise /He said "Good Job" on occasion
-Stimulates Interest /He used humor and hands-on activities
-Uses Challenging Tasks /He took them out of their element and allowed them to
express themselves
-Verbally Challenges Children /He described actions and situations and verbally
prepared them for the activity
-Gives Students Choices /They do not have to participate if they do not want to
and they can choose the activity they want to do
-Lets Students Set Goals /He did not have goals for the students to set
-Lets Students Evaluate Their Own Work /He did not have students evaluate their own work
-Stimulates Curiosity /He provided an AIM at the beginning of class
-Stimulates Questions /He did not stimulate questions
-Allows Free Time /Students were allowed a 15 minute bathroom/snack
break. Students were also allowed to draw on the
board.

These strategies increased motivation because the students were encouraged to express their individual creativity. The students were not forced to participate but were provided praise when they participated and gave unique responses to the activities. The teacher allowed the students to choose the activity they wanted to do and had index cards prepared with different options. The students were given hands-on activities for the whole class period and were alloted free time to draw on the chalkboard and have a snack. With all of the options and encouragement of creativity, the students were motivated to participate and to perform in front of the class. Even though the teacher did not provided significant rewards or praise I believe that his techniques increased motivation for the class that he was teaching. These techniques gained confidence and self-esteem throughout all of the students. These students may feel more inclined to participate in their other classes and may work harder to succeed because they know that achievement is within their reach.

Option 3 Motivation
2 Hour Observation
Gifted Youth Program Improve Class