Motivation in the Elementary Math Class: Implementing the ARCS Model of Instruction Student motivation has been acknowledged by scholars as a key component linked to academic success and a continuing challenge for educators (Keller, 2010 & Murray, 2011). In fact, Linder, Smart and Cribbs (2015) cite motivation as being essential for student success in mathematical tasks. “Motivation refers broadly to what people desire, what they choose to do, and what they commit to do” (Keller, 2010, p.). It is debated whether students must have intrinsic motivation intuitively or whether teachers are able to inspire motivation through lesson development and implementation. This inquiry led John Keller to investigate how humans behaved in relation to …show more content…
One theory of motivation, Maslow’s theory, is based in the belief that humans are motivated by needs which have been unsatisfied and that in order for certain needs to be met, other lower needs must be met first (Moffett, Frizzell, Brownlee-Williams & Thompson, 2014). Furthermore, Maslow believed that “before one is motivated by cognitive or self-actualization needs, one should have taken care of basic deficiency needs like physiological, security, belonging, and esteem” (Moffett, Frizzell, Brownlee-Williams & Thompson, 2014, p. 429). Even though motivation is overwhelming identified as an indicator of classroom success in the elementary setting, it has not been widely studied specifically in elementary school settings (Greene, 1982). However, according to Keller (2010), human motivation in general has been studied abundantly, contributing to a growing amount of research which may be applied in many settings. Motivational theory, which at one time was only addressed by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, has evolved and developed as a result of research on the subject and also grounds Keller’s work in developing the ARCS motivational design (Cohen, 1982). Brown, McCord, Matusovich, and Kajfez (2015) note that motivation is linked to a learner’s perceived expectancy in relation to upcoming tasks, the intrinsic and extrinsic potential rewards, and the learner’s levels of self-regulation. In addition, Keller (2010) found
2.2. It is important to select a number of teaching and learning approaches as individuals can face a number of barriers causing them difficulty to learn. Maslows (1987) Hierarchy of Needs shows that if all five aspects of this theory are met, which are, self actualisation, self esteem recognition, safety/security and physiological it creates a healthy environment for learners to progress and achieve their goal.
Maslow’s theory of motivation is called the “hierarchy of needs”. Maslow believes that people have five main needs in the following order of importance;
Abraham Marlow (1970) who is one of the most influential theorists on human motivation stated that humans are motivated by unsatisfied needs, so as basic needs are met they are able to grow and move towards self-actualisation, resulting in individuals who are satisfied and fulfilled (Maslow, 1970). Facilitating a classroom environment which meets Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, enables students to feel a sense of belonging and self worth within their environment, therefore boosting their motivation to do well and helping them become confident learners.
Engaging students in the classroom can be a difficult task. Understanding the process of how students learn can help a teacher adapt the lesson to meet the needs of all students. I will encounter students that are not intrinsically motivated so I will need to find different ways to motivate each and every student. Understanding how my students learn can provide me with insights as to how to help each student learn which will minimize classroom management problems.
Maslow's (1954) pyramid of needs shows the right adaptive conditions which needs to be created for a student, including issues of personal worth, social recognition, accomplishment, and self-esteem. In following Maslow’s
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (Petty, 2004) theory best describes the needs of people to achieve their best through growth, the need to progress; teachers assist with this therefore ensuring the aforementioned are maintained, valued and practiced by all involved, the teacher will be best placed to develop good relationships with learners and colleagues thus encouraging a more relaxed environment enhancing the whole learning experience.
Abraham Maslow suggested that for students to have energy for learning, their basic personal needs must be met.(Jones, V., & Jones L. 2013) Maslow described human needs as ordered in a prepotent hierarchy (McLeod, S. 2007).The hierarchy of human needs model was shown that basic human needs started at the lower level, general needs, and proceeded upward to more complex needs, and can only be fulfilled one level at a time. His hierarchy of needs, which includes several different components on each has been divided in a variety of ways.
Motivation can be defined as the desire or inspiration to carry out specific tasks or to do something. Motivation is required when goals are being set and more so in their execution. In a work setting, motivation can be defined as a process through which individuals choose between alternative forms of behavior with the aim of achieving personal objectives. The goals sought by individuals can be extrinsic or relatively tangible such as monetary rewards and promotion, or intrinsic or intangible such as self esteem or job satisfaction (Armstrong, 2006). In learning, the desire to attain good grades is what motivates a student to study hard everyday as they prepare for the exam. On the other hand, for a teacher to put his best foot forward, he
This type of motivation is influenced heavily by rewards and external incentives. It also implies the notion that “I have to do something” in order to be compliant with what someone else wants me to do. It is a motivation that is primarily influenced by the hope of attaining tangible items such as prizes, special privileges, or money. Although Drive implies the heavy use of Motivation 2.0 by the corporate world, Pink also draws attention to the fact that schools typically operate under this mode, as well, and that it can have detrimental effects on our students and on learning, in general. Motivation 2.0 is also referred to in the book as the “Carrots and Sticks Approach”, and although it may yield positive results in the short-term, the repeated or incorrect use of extrinsic rewards can actually work against what educators are trying to achieve in terms of truly motivating their students.
Maslow's (1954) hierarchy of needs shows the right environment which needs to be created for a student, including issues of personal worth, social recognition, accomplishment, and self-esteem. In following Maslow’s theory when planning to teach, the most important educational goal is learning. Also important is making the newly gained knowledge and information have a purpose and meaning, so that it is retained and useful.
Current research on young adolescent student motivation shows that the teacher must; make the lesson connect to the outside world as much as possible, let the students decide where they sit or what project to work on, guide the student rather than tell them the way, and be someone the student can trust and depend on. Teachers must motivate their students to become better and more engaged within the classroom by using techniques that allow the student to develop their own sense of motivation.
Having previously discussed both behavioural and cognitive theories within incident one, it is important to consider the humanism approach in connections to motivation and personalised learning in incident two. According to humanists, it is believed that children’s holistic needs must be reviewed and resolved before educational needs can be considered (Lazarus et al., 2013). This is reinforced by Maslow’s Hierarchy of need theory (1954) which aimed to identify the needs in which humans have and the order of priority that these needs occur (Jarvis, 2005). With this being said, Price and Howard (2002) and Biggar (2011) state that if these needs do not get addressed, children’s educational progress and success may be interrupted.
Dependent upon the individual teacher, they can be motivated by either extrinsic or intrinsic rewards or benefits (Kinicki, 2012). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs indicates that a teacher may be motivated by the third level on the pyramid, Esteem. The need to be known as a dedicated teacher who can help difficult students reach goals is easy to understand. In Alderfer’s ERG theory, the Growth theory is easiest to understand by nominal teachers as they would want to be seen as one who tries hard and is able to reach goals set by the district. Lastly, in reading McCLelland’s theory; teachers are likely motivated to gain achievement in awards or recognition for reaching attendance or test scores of their
At the basis of motivation there are many factors that may not been seen right away. One must take a look at physiological reasons for motivation. How do we get students to their fullest potential? Abraham Maslow introduced the concept of self-actualization. This is the idea that we use our abilities to our fullest potential. If we can convince our students that they are capable of fulfilling their goals then they are on their way to self-efficacy. (Elliot, 2000 p.335). Self-actualization is the highest goal to reach in motivation. It is placed at the top of Maslow’s pyramid called the hierarchy of needs. This pyramid includes five needs that must be met before self-actualization can develop. The idea of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is that if basic needs are not met, motivation cannot occur. The first need is physiological needs. These are things such as hunger and sleep. If these needs are not met, a student’s motivation is dominantly focused on these things. The next need up on the pyramid is safety needs. These needs
We are probably all familiar with Abraham Maslow 's Theory of Hierarchical Needs; Psychological Needs, Safety Needs, Belongingness and Love Needs, Esteem Needs, Need to Know and Understand, Aesthetic Needs, and Self-Actualization Needs. And we probably all remember that according to Maslow 's theory, needs that are in the lower hierarchy must be at least partially met before a person will try to satisfy higher-level needs. Although ultimately our goal is to aid students in self-actualizing or becoming "all that one can be," they must first achieve the level of Need to Know and Understand.