Thursday, January 10, 2008

My Passion Not My Profession



Here is something I recently read on a fascinating new piece of research: (Parenthetical comments are mine)

" Apparently, teachers who are motivated mainly by intrinsic factors, so called "autonomous motivation," have a greater
sense of personal accomplishment and fewer feelings of exhaustion.  (THIS, I MIGHT ADD IS CALLED, JOY)
Perhaps more importantly, they promote autonomy-supported teaching
which offers students choice and greater clarification of subject relevance.*(THIS MEANS THAT STUDENTS REALIZE THAT THE SUBSTANCE OF THEIR EDUCATION MATTERS, AND THAT THEY HAVE A SAY IN WHAT THEY CHOOSE TO LEARN)
This type of teaching then is reflected in students' more positive feelings
for the task at hand and greater behavioral engagement. (THIS MEANS THAT STUDENTS ARE BOTH LEARNING AND ENJOYING THEMSELVES)
The researchers for this study concluded with concern that the increase in high stakes testing would
have a detrimental effect on these highly effective teachers (THIS MEANS THAT WE MAY BE LOSING MANY OF THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST)
by making them feel "less autonomous and consequently act in more controlling ways toward
their students."   Roth, G. et al. (2007).  Journal of Educational Psychology. Vol 99(4), 761-774. 
(THIS MEANS THAT NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND IS A HUGE FAILURE)

No comments:

Not Like They Used To

  With some help from friend Jory Aronson, a great mandolin player, here is an up dated version of my "Levi Song."   To the tune o...