Reinforcing+Effort

Reinforcing Effort
 * Read and Reflect:**

This section reinforces my concerns I have about my students’ negative feelings toward school and lack of motivation to absorb learning and study habits. This summer I read a book by Richard Lavoie called The Motivation Breakthrough: 6 Secrets to Turning On the Tuned-Out Child. I recommend that every teacher read this book or look over his website. []

Questions Page 98 ~ Handbook


 * __1. How do I reinforce students’ effort in my classroom?__**

I give students verbal praise when they participate in class discussion. I grade them on how well they complete their task or assignments. I allow students to revise or re-do assignments if they do poorly on them. Students can be given extended time if needed per their IEP accommodation and modifications. I often stamp work with an “OK” stamp if the work is completed on time or an effort made on work that is graded on completion.


 * __2. What is my purpose when I reinforce effort in the classroom?__**

I encourage students to participate in class discussion and I make them feel comfortable in my class. I want students to try their best and know that sometimes we are not always right but we can try to figure it out and learn even if we are wrong. I want them to not be discouraged and believe their efforts will help improve their overall outcome.


 * __3. What makes reinforcing effort effective or ineffective?__**

I think many students learn helplessness and just give up and not try because it seems easier or they try but don’t seem to //feel// successful. We need to find ways to show them that if they try hard they can be successful. We have to retrain their thinking. We need to show them how to try and look at the progress they have made, not the overall grade. Learning is what important, not a letter grade. Baby steps can help them master a task but they have to be willing to take the steps.


 * __4. What questions do I have about reinforcing efforts?__**

I am always looking for ways to motivate students and ways to encourage them in their learning process. I think this is one of our greatest challenges as educators. Everyone needs reinforcement to keep up what we are doing or not doing. I just want to help students learn and motivate them to learn. Often they seem to give up too quickly and I am looking for ways to help them through this learned helplessness.


 * Apply and Reflect:**

I like the Bighugelab motivational posters. I have not incorporated them into a lesson yet but I did hang these posters in my classroom. I have been talking with my students about their mind sets when attempting to complete a task. I teach a Learning Lab class and have presented to them the idea to keep trying and put forth effort. It seems to get them thinking and motivate them to make an effort on their assignments.



BigHuge Lab Motivational Poster Link

BigHugeLabs Motivational Poster Link