Ever wish your students were more motivated? If you’re like most of us, you have tried an array of rewards and punishments to motivate kids. There’s only one problem: it doesn’t work. At least it doesn't work well enough. People (yes, even students) aren’t motivated from the outside so rewards and punishments only work to a point. We are internally motivated. That’s why it's essential to engage and inspire students to be motivated to succeed in school (and life.)

If you’re ready to move beyond the reward/punishment model and embrace a whole new way to understand motivation, I encourage you to come back regularly. It’s time to challenge the status quo and create schools and classrooms based on what really motivates behavior.

Monday, May 31, 2010

One Formula for Success

Just came across an article about a young math teacher who has been acknowledged for his success in Indianapolis. The first paragraph sums it up nicely: "Michael Anderson says his recipe for success in the classroom is simple: Earn students' respect, create an environment where it's safe for them to try and even fail, and then make the material relevant to their lives." To read the entire article, visit
www.indystar.com/article/20100521/NEWS04/5210328/1001/NEWS/IPS-Teacher-of-the-Year-goes-from-mutiny-to-best-in-class

A couple of things stand out. Anderson identifies building an emotional connection as the first step in successful teaching. Also, this is only his third year teaching! It is widely (and erroneously) assumed that it takes many years for teachers to become highly skilled experts. That would be true if the most important variables in teaching were related to content. But Anderson demonstrates that successful teaching is based on factors that even new teachers can excel in from the beginning of their careers.

Thanks, Michael. We need a lot more like you in schools everywhere. I wish you continued success and joy as you serve in this most noble field.
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1 comment:

  1. Professora MaluJune 2, 2010 at 5:34 AM

    I agree with Michael Anderson! Creating a friendly environment where everyone feels good is the basis for establishing a good partnership with students. Who doesn't like a pleasant environment to live, study or simply being?

    MARIA MONTEIRO

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