Thursday, March 24, 2011

Prompt #4

Examine the presentations of:
Achievement Motivation Theory (Prieto)
Theory U (Bayer)
Two-Factor Theory - Herzberg’s (Reeder)

Respond to these prompts:
a)      Pick one of these topics and tell how you have seen it at play somewhere along the line in your formal schooling experience?
b)      Tell us how you might use one of these theories in either your professional or personal life.

23 comments:

  1. I believe all of these presentations go hand-in-hand. Nick Reeder's Two-Factor Theory discusses the factors that satisfy the desires of person to become intrinsically motivated like Kim Bayer's Theory U. All of these factors or the lack of determine which side of the Achievement Motivation Theory the student falls within that Manuel Prieto discussed. I believe I have seen all of these motivation factors in my schooling as well as my teaching experience. Students experience different factors that motivate them in different ways.

    I could use the Achievement Motivation Theory the most because it is important to recognize where the student is standing about their motivation, whether negative or positive. If we can recognize this as educators, we can help all students become motivated to pursue their dreams.

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  2. a) Achievement Motivation - Often in schools we see kids who have ability struggle due to the fact that they dont think they can do better. Poor self image can be debilitating in the classroom and in life. If you dont think you can, you never will, probably because you'll never try.

    b) I think it is import to always to consider theory you. So often in life we are pulled in different directions and have outside influences rushing us to make decisions that aren’t in our best interest. With all decisions i think you should stop and really examine what you are suppose to do and open your mind and heart to do that, therefore giving up your perceived truths, and acting on the real truth.

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  3. a) Well first of all the Theory U that Kim had to present seemed like some theory devised by Timothy O'Leary after one of his sugar cubed induced trances. Therefore, this would not be a topic with which I can relate. I really think that the Two-Factor Theory has been in play with my work in the past. I have received numerous accolades in the past with my work but my dissatisfaction was at an all time low due to poor supervision and poor work relations within my office.

    b)Achievement Motivational Theory sounds appropriate for work or school. I think we all remember the student that had low self esteem in class quiet, etc. Or we can think of someone at work that reminds us of the movie "Office Space" and the guy who is pushed into the basement fighting over a stapler. It's our goal as teachers or supervisors to prompt and encourage all our students or employees and I see it resulting in success more times than not.

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  4. I have seen Achievement Motivation Theory at work as both a teacher and student. As a student, I knew people who lacked confidence in their intelligence and convinced themselves that studying was a waste of time. Then when other, often more hard-working, students earned a higher grade the not so hard-working student stated that they just weren’t smart. As I teacher I noticed this more in social behaviors, for example a student lacking confidence choosing to apply themselves to nothing at all.

    Although the theory reminds me of Luke Skywalker “using the force”, I can appreciate U-Theory as a call for deeper introspection about who we really are. My main question is about finding my “blind spot” using the U. I wonder if this is a part of curriculum design for any schools?

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  5. The U-theory strikes home best with me. I was in college before I realized that I could do no good for humanity if I wasn't comfortable in my own skin. It is a confidence factor that is imperative for all educators I think. Our lead learner spoke to us about not being able or require a response from our students if we can't model it-I believe this is an example of this model in an abstract way of looking at it.

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  6. Oh, and there are always going to be those students or employees that require more attention and direction.

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  7. B. If you can't model a behavior or present a concept. You have no right to expect it from your students!

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  8. If nothing else, Brant is so right in that we should remember that "students experience different factors that motivate them in different ways."

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  9. @ David: An important distinction on this topic (in my opinion) is that modeling does not have to be perfect. In fact, it may be more effective and impactful if it is imperfect in nature.

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  10. a) I spent the last two years tutoring GED students who were considered to be the working poor. I saw the Achievement Motivation theory play out in every single meeting with the ladies. Several of them made comments about always having been bad in math, so they weren't surprised they were still struggling with it. I believe most of them dropped out of high school because they never believed they could succeed. The challenge was working with them to help them change the mindset that they could succeed. We celebrated even the smallest of successes in the program, so they would begin to experience achievement and continually be motivated by it.

    b) Currently, I am working in the human resources department at my company. I can definitely utilize the info about Herzberg's theory. We are constantly talking about employee motivation. Looking at the motivators and the hygiene factors will help determine how my supervisor and I can improve satisfaction and minimize dissatisfaction.

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  11. David - I agree that modeling is a key element for learners. I don't see that in this theory at all. More "I'm okay, your okay" type speak.

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  12. I believe in both my personal and professional life I have seen the Two-Factor Theory.I have seen people who came to work for us who just wanted the job for the benefits provided (the hygiene factor). I have seen the people who have come to work interested in the work they are doing (the motivation factor).

    The theory I would like to be able to use is Theory U. We all have a blind spot that we need to work on so we can better understand ourselves. If we can see ourselves in the future maybe we can better ourselves now.

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  13. I like Laura's thoughts both a and b.

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  14. a) Nick's presentation on Two-Factor Theory is something I have seen during my personal education and also in my classroom. Students striving for motivation factors like recognition and growth are derailed by hygiene factors such as conditions and relations with others around them becoming unsatisfactory.
    b) I would use Theory U in my personal life by connecting to my best future possibility creating breakthrough ideas by learning to access the intelligence of the heart not just the intelligence of the head.

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  15. A. Achievement Motivational Theory: This theory fits perfectly to what I went through before enrolling in the Educational program at Wayland. After studying all my life, I had to change the course of my professional career. First, to change career at this point in life was not a very easy decision. Second, the economical situation we face right now did not kept me motivated either. As a substitute, I saw a lot certified teachers substituting with me because they did not have a job. How could I set a goal to become a teacher, and motivate myself to reach this goal? First, I believe in education, and second, I believe that education is the only thing nobody can take away from us. No matter what happens I will always have the titles and knowledge I acquired over the years. That is what keeps me going. Learn something new drives me and my brain needs that.

    B. I definitely will incorporate the Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory. I agree with this theory because I believe that the key for motivation is communication. Students need to express their feelings regarding their achievement goals. By talking we can be aware of what students are not happy, and try to fix it what is not right. This strategy can keep motivating going. Keeping the balance between the motivation factors and the hygiene factors seems to be a reasonable way to make teachers and students satisfied.

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  16. Okay Manuel, the Theory U portion you articulated actually helps me some with the concept. Thanks

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  17. Bruce, you have motivated me to continue to post comments. Thank you.

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  18. Trying to think "outside the the box" Bruce like the first video Doc gave us. Your point is well taken though, thankyou. Thanks Doc, sometimes bad modeling or inperfect modeling can be an effective learning strategy.

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  19. The Achievement Motivation Theory was evident in my schooling. For example, each year confirmed to myself that I am not a strait A student. It became easier to accept that each year. I had thoughts that the strait A students would be the ones to become successful.

    Theory U could be used in my personally life by opening up to changes that would better suit my purpose.

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  20. I'm drinking the Brant kool-aid tonight! keep it coming dude...good stuff!

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