Unit One: What is motivation?
Unit One: What is Motivation?
Learning Objectives
1. Gain an understanding of what motivation is and means.
Overview
According to Encarta Onlinemotivation can be defined as the following: [the] "giving of reason to act: the act of giving somebody a reason or incentive to do something" Encarta also defines motivation as it relates to enthusiasm. The level of enthusiasm is determined by a persons level or desire to do something. Based on these two definitions of motivation one could assume that the quality of ones learning is largely dependent upon their motivation or level of desire to learn. Do you agree or disagree? How important do you feel motivation is in the classroom? How are we as educators able to successfully motivate our students? What motivates you to do better in a learning environment? Think about these questions as you search for a definition of motivation and participate in the discussion forum. We will delve farther into this topic in the next unit.
Activities
Find three different definitions of motivation. Post these definitions in the Discussion Forum. How do you think motivation relates to student learning and ultimately student achievement? Provide one example of a motivator you use to increase learning in your classroom. Respond to at least two classmates comments.
You may now move on to: Unit Two: Why is Motivation Important in the classroom?