Submitted by Ben Johnson <author> (not verified) on April 1, 2008 - 04:05.
Melissa M:
You coulden't be more correct. Anytime a student gets their motivation from an outside or artificial source like grades, it is detritmental to a healthy learning attitude. You stated correctly that it becomes a dependence.
The real trick to being an educator of worth, is no more complex than the teach a child to fish concept. In my blog post about learning systems I briefly explore this concept. If you teach a child to fish, then the intrinsic motivation (reward) is the the actual fish.
Project/product based learning relies on the idea of intrinsic motivation. When a student is done learning, they demonstrate their knowledge and skill by creating a product that they can touch, feel, read, and in essence show off--much like a trophy fish. This reinforces the confidence, enthusiasm and desire to learn.
The thing about this kind of learning is that it is cyclical or systemic. The cycle can be repeated over and over, and a creative teacher only has to modify the topic or content.
You sound like one of those teachers. Best of luck fishing!
Intrinsic learning
Submitted by Ben Johnson <author> (not verified) on April 1, 2008 - 04:05.
Melissa M:
You coulden't be more correct. Anytime a student gets their motivation from an outside or artificial source like grades, it is detritmental to a healthy learning attitude. You stated correctly that it becomes a dependence.
The real trick to being an educator of worth, is no more complex than the teach a child to fish concept. In my blog post about learning systems I briefly explore this concept. If you teach a child to fish, then the intrinsic motivation (reward) is the the actual fish.
Project/product based learning relies on the idea of intrinsic motivation. When a student is done learning, they demonstrate their knowledge and skill by creating a product that they can touch, feel, read, and in essence show off--much like a trophy fish. This reinforces the confidence, enthusiasm and desire to learn.
The thing about this kind of learning is that it is cyclical or systemic. The cycle can be repeated over and over, and a creative teacher only has to modify the topic or content.
You sound like one of those teachers. Best of luck fishing!
Ben Johnson Natalia, Texas