I wanted to share a few videos on learner motivation. Although these are not directed at second language learning specifically, researchers are beginning to apply these ideas to our field.
This is Ed Deci, one of the co-founders of Self-Determination Theory. As you watch, think about your own motivation (or lack of) related to language learning or anything. Do you think his ideas apply to our students?
Is learner autonomy possible in our classroom? If not, what hinders it? Do you believe in learner autonomy? Do our students even want it?
This is a video by Dan Pink, a more dynamic speaker. He focuses on how rewards actually demotivate students. Citing a lot research, he makes a good case. What is your gut reaction?
Do you use rewards with your students? Do they always work? Do you respond well to rewards? If not rewards, what can we do to motivate apathetic students?
And finally, here is some Alfie Kohn, journalist turned education critic. I included him just because he is awesome. On punishment:
A Humanistic/Positive Psychology approach to education:
Thoughts?
After watching the Alfie Kohn videos, I realize he is pointing out some real obvious problems that we must consider as educators or parents. On punishment his idea does make sense in that time out is laughable in that it doesn't work. Unfortunately he doesn't suggest an alternative which leads me to believe that if the person who was offended sees it as suitable, it's fine.
ReplyDeleteAs for bad education, I completely agree that there is a problem with how public schools are run. To introduce a more tailored curriculum would be idea, but expensive to implement. I like when he describes standardized tests and homework for people in sub-high school levels as 'ludicrous', I wish my teachers felt the same back then. He hints at progressive education being the solution, again I would like to hear more about what he means by this. I agree there is too much positive encouragement such as 'good job' being used with students when actually what is really meant is 'you did alright' and 'as expected'. It really demeans what is actually a good job and promotes meritocracy. When he ends with education being geared towards corporate futures and the economy, I actually think this is a good thing. Advanced societies need a highly educated workforce. It may spoil the true nature of education, but I feel it is important for society as a whole for students to learn 'real life' skills.
I will comment further on the other videos when I have time to watch them. Can someone recommend other videos where he gets into what his progressive ideas are and their practicality?
If you search his name on youtube, you'll see much longer lectures. As far as punishment, I think he would suggest putting more power in the child's hands. He might suggest talking to them to figure out what is causing the misbehavior and work with the child to create a strategy to solve it. Sounds good, but not so easy to do in the moment. His ideas require an entire shift in institutional philosophy. It's not something you can apply only sometimes for it to be effective.
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard Dan Pink speak for the first time I ordered his book immediately. He is an excellent speaker, and the book's message was strong, clear, persuasive, and valuable. But while much of what he says is true, I feel like he’s not being totally honest. Let me deal with what I like first, and then follow up with what I don’t.
ReplyDeleteIn short, I would say he gives some great suggestions that you can apply to the way you design a course and treat your students. Some examples:
--AUTONOMY: give students some choice over class projects, discussion topics, etc. Also be mindful of how much advice you give a student because too much can make them feel that their work is no longer theirs but the teachers
--MASTERY: Give students a way to practice so they can measure results and see their progress (e.g. chart improvement in their reading speed)
--PURPOSE: give assignments that allow students to investigate or explore topics they feel are valuable and mean something (problem-based learning, webquests, or essay topics on "big issues")
He also makes it seem like extrinsic motivation is almost inherently bad, which I think is overly simplistic and idealistic. When he ends his speech, he says, “The science confirms what we know in our hearts. So, if we repair this mismatch between what science knows and what business does, if we bring our motivation, notions of motivation into the 21st century, if we get past this lazy, dangerous, ideology of carrots and sticks, we can strengthen our businesses, we can solve a lot of those candle problems, and maybe, maybe, maybe we can change the world. I rest my case.”
If he wants to restrict his scope and talk about intrinsic motivation, fine. But he calls extrinsic motivation lazy, dangerous, and an “ideology” and doesn’t even explore why someone with a stake in motivating people to produce creative work would appreciate having a bag of carrots to draw from. Even in the book, he doesn’t talk to supervisors, managers, or teachers (much or at all) to get their side.The creative work that he talks about doesn’t just require creative ideas, but also real effort and focus. Incentives are great when the excitement of an epiphany or a fun brainstorming session has worn off, and people need to roll up their sleeves and do some slogging so they can see your ideas develop into something. I know there have been times when I’ve been burned out but the thought of money, high grades, or peer acclaim have helped me see a project to completion. And I know that when I’ve been soft on students working on projects they enjoy, their comments on evaluations sounded disappointed that I didn’t push them to do better.
I like Pink and respect his work, but I think he is being at best unfair, and at worst cynical and disingenuous, shaping his message in a way that gives it a sharp point of view that helps him sell himself. I really wish the book at least acknowledged that rewards have a place in motivating people to do creative work.
Somebody needs to buy Ed Deci a cup of coffee.
ReplyDeleteI finally made it to the end of Ed Deci's talk.
ReplyDeleteI do like what he said about creating the conditions where people can motivate themselves. I'm a big believer in the importance of learning environments, and how technology can help with creating and maintaining them. Two of the most important things are providing clarity of expectations and giving students good models and examples. There was a TED Talk about the quality of TED Talks themselves, and how posting exemplery examples of past talks on the web for free caused a huge increase in the quality of future talks; People were motivated to put more effort into them because they saw how well others were doing.
I would love it if anyone could point me to the research that Alfie Kahn is talking about when he says homework doesn't help anyone under high school age. And I just want to say two things:
ReplyDelete1) I am aware that Finland has the number one ranked education system in the world and they don't give much homework.
2) I haven't forgotten how to Google things. I was just hoping not have to wade through a bunch of papers before knowing which ones are the most methodologically sound and peer-respected.
Gsnow is Greg? Is that right?
ReplyDeleteI understand why people want to use extrinsic motivation sometimes, or even often. It's easy and it works in the short-term. However, all the research I have encountered suggests that it is ineffective and harmful to learners. Of course, this research has been presented by people who are wholeheartedly against it, so there may be a little bias and selectivity. If you find merit in what is disparagingly referred to as the "do this and get that" approach, why not devise a classroom experiment and write up your findings? There is a lot of room for a counterpoint in the current literature.
To be honest, I'm not sure what research Alfie Kohn is referring to. In his speeches/interviews, he tends to throw stuff out there as if it is fact. In his books, he backs it up much more with citations. There is a lot of research about how standard teaching practices, such as homework, demotivate.
I recommend his book Punished by Rewards. It gets pretty repetitive, but the first few chapters would be enough to get the gist of his argument.
http://www.amazon.com/Punished-Rewards-Trouble-Incentive-Praise/dp/0618001816/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1378198872&sr=8-4&keywords=alfie+Kohn
And lay off Ed Deci, he's been at it for 40 years or so. Come on.