Motivation Scenario

A new student in Daran Brown’s history class is struggling with being motivated and is having a difficult time staying interested in what is being taught. Mr. Brown is trying to gain knowledge in how best to motivate his student and turn her grade around. When trying to understand how best to help Caitlin in her history class; one first must understand the different motivational theories, the hierarchy of needs, and the difference between intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation.

Mr. Brown has learned that Caitlin’s parents have recently divorced and she is new to the area. First Mr. Brown will want to get to know Caitlin and to build a teacher-student relationship with her. One could contemplate the behaviorist theory to try and understand how to help Caitlin. The behaviorist theory explains that consequences of behavior will play a role in how a student behaves (J, Ormord, 2014). This theory also explains that students will behave to achieve an end result (J, Ormord, 2014). Caitlin’s lack of motivation shows that she may be acting out due to the difficulties at home. Having a conversation with Caitlin’s parent may help to develop some strategies to help Caitlin get on the right track.

Another theory that explains what Caitlin is experiencing would be cognitive theory. Cognitive theory states that students are motivated or unmotivated depending on there cognitive and emotional factors (J, Ormord, 2014). Emotional factors will need to be looked at when trying to motivate this student. One must take into consideration the emotions that come in the case of divorce and moving to a new school. Caitlin may feel that she has no control over her life and is choosing to not participate in class as a form of gaining so...

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...Brown could allow Caitlin to pick a book about a historical figure that is written from a child’s perspective (J, Ormord, 2014). This will allow her to create a connection with the author making the history lesson more appealing. Giving Caitlin a few books to choose from will allow Caitlin the chance to feel in control. Developing a relationship with Caitlin would also help to build her self esteem and since of worth. Increasing student –teacher interaction will help to develop intrinsic motivation (EDU 213 Lecture 6). This will motivate Caitlin and make her want to get involved in classroom discussions. With some effort from Mr. Brown Caitlin will learn to like history and will find a willingness to learn.

Works Cited

EDU 213 Lecture 6

Ormrod, Jeanne Ellis. "7." Educational Psychology: Developing Learners. 8th ed. Boston: Pearson, 2014. N. pag. Print.