gary dohanich psychology / neuroscience [email protected]
TRANSCRIPT
Motivation and LearningThree Hurdles to Learning
A Plague of Academic Bulimia
Performance versus Mastery
Types of Motivation
Consequences of Motivation
Mind Sets
Fostering Motivation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWpVyw7x8Fs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcxDVYo2wH8
Hurdles to Learning
Distra
ctio
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Procr
astin
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Iner
tia
The Art of Teaching: Best Practices from a Master Educator P.N. Allitt 2010, The Great Courses
Academic Bulimia
“Bulimic education force-feeds the learner with a feast of facts which are memorized and used for certain narrowly defined tasks, each leading to a single ‘right answer’ …
After their use, the facts are ‘purged’ to make room for the next feeding.”
What The Best College Professors Do by K. Bain, 2004, Harvard University Press
PerformanceStudents can perform well on examinationswithout having mastered a field of study. What is learned is often forgotten soon after exams and cannot be applied in novel situations.
MasteryMastery of an area involves developing competency in integrating knowledge, as well as learning when and how to apply knowledge and skills in novel situations.
Performance versus Mastery
McKeachie’s Teaching Tipsby M.D. Svinicki and W.J. McKeachie, 2011, Wadsworth
Motivation
“Students’ motivation generates, directs, and sustains what they do to learn…The importance of motivation, in the context of learning, cannot be overstated.”
How Learning Worksby S.A. Ambrose et al., 2010, John Wiley and Sons
• Extrinsic– Grades– Recognition– Approval
• Intrinsic– Pleasure of learning– Self-determination– Seek challenges
Types of Motivation
• Extrinsic– Need for external rewards to succeed– Promotes superficial learning– Fails to develop life-long learning
• Intrinsic– Engagement in learning– Conceptual understanding– Enhanced creativity– Life-long learning
Consequences of Motivation
Mind Sets• Fixed Mind Set
– Students believe they are incapable of learning– Dedicated to preserving that impression of their ability– Poor performance reinforces fixed mind set– Fear of challenges and growth
• Growth Mind Set– Not limited by negative preconceptions of ability– Able to learn from mistakes– Willing to take on new challenges– Approach learning with effort and enthusiasm– Strive to improve and grow
Mind Sets, The New Psychology of Successby C. Dweck, 2007, Ballantine Press
The Persona of the Instructor•Instructor serves as a role model•Displays passion and enthusiasm•Demonstrates commitment by preparation•Gains trust of students
Fostering Intrinsic Motivation
The Role of the Instructor•Encourages student autonomy•Provides regular and useful feedback•Offers opportunity for second chances•Uses criterion-based grading•Offers appropriate level of challenge•Embraces student difficulty and failure
Learning ChallengesWhen learning is difficult learning is stronger and better remembered. Easy learning is usually superficial and soon forgotten. As you learn, challenges and failures are more likely to change your brain and promote true mastery of topics.
“The one who does the work does the learning.” -T. Doyle
Make It Stick
Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learningby P.C. Brown et al., 2014, Harvard University Press
Tips for Students to Improve Learning
Take clear meaningful notes during class and studying
Discuss what you are learning with others
Organize your studying time across the semester Avoid limiting your studying to immediately before exams
A class is a team; the instructor is coach, you’re a player!
The Teaching Professorby S.J. Thien and A. Bulleri, 2006, Magna Publications
Your attitude about class affects your learning
Take active responsibility for your own learning
Ask questions during, after, and outside class
Avoid distractions when in class and when studying