Week 4 Discussion 2 Edu 372 Directions Your Initial Discussi ✓ Solved

Week4 Discussion 2 Edu 372 Directionsyour Initial Discussion Thread Is

Summarize the movie you selected to watch and discuss ways in which the teacher motivated his/her students. Using Chapter 8 of our text, describe the motivational theory employed for each of the strategies you listed. 2. How did satisfying Maslow’s hierarchy of needs impact student learning in your selected movie? 3. How did the teacher in your selected movie display characteristics of a humanistic teacher? Be specific by providing examples and connecting your response to the text. 4. Describe the ideal learning environment for you and explain how it will increase your motivation and ability to learn. What obstacles would hinder the creation of your ideal learning environment?

Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts and compare their ideal learning environment to your own. Explain how the differences would affect your learning. Be sure to respond to any queries or comments posted by your instructor. Carefully review the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate this Discussion Thread.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The selected movie for this discussion is "Freedom Writers," a compelling story about a dedicated teacher striving to inspire a diverse group of high school students. This film depicts various motivational strategies employed by the teacher to foster an environment conducive to learning and personal growth. Analyzing these strategies through the lens of motivational theories provides insight into their effectiveness and connection to student outcomes.

Summary of the Movie and Motivational Strategies

"Freedom Writers" chronicles the journey of Erin Gruwell, a young teacher assigned to teach a racially divided school with low-performing students. Facing significant challenges, Ms. Gruwell employs a range of motivational techniques. She begins by creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment where students feel respected and valued. She encourages students to share their personal stories, fostering a sense of belonging. Additionally, she uses literature, such as "The Diary of Anne Frank," to connect with students’ experiences and ignite their interest in learning. Ms. Gruwell also introduces interactive activities, like keeping diaries, which promote self-expression and ownership of their learning journey.

Motivational Theories in Practice

The strategies Ms. Gruwell employs align with several motivational theories outlined in Chapter 8 of our textbook. For instance, her emphasis on creating a safe classroom environment resonates with Maslow's hierarchy of needs, specifically the need for safety and belongingness. By establishing trust and respect, she fulfills these basic psychological needs, enabling students to focus on higher-level cognitive tasks.

Her use of literature and self-expression can be associated with Deci and Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory (SDT). By fostering autonomy through choice—allowing students to write their diaries—she enhances intrinsic motivation. Moreover, her efforts to connect students’ personal experiences with curriculum content tap into their intrinsic interests, increasing engagement and motivation.

Her inclusive and supportive approach also reflects humanistic principles, emphasizing empathy, respect, and personal growth, which are core tenets of humanistic motivation theories.

Impact of Satisfying Maslow’s Hierarchy

In "Freedom Writers," addressing Maslow's hierarchy of needs plays a critical role in student learning. By establishing trust and safety, Ms. Gruwell helps her students feel secure, which reduces anxiety and behavioral issues. As students' basic needs for safety and belonging are met, they become more receptive to learning, demonstrate increased engagement, and exhibit improved academic performance. For example, when students recognize they are valued, their motivation to participate and succeed naturally rises, illustrating the importance of attending to fundamental needs to facilitate higher-order learning.

Characteristics of a Humanistic Teacher

Ms. Gruwell exemplifies a humanistic teacher through her genuine care and respect for her students. She listens actively to their stories, validates their experiences, and encourages their personal growth. An illustrative example is her acceptance of students’ varied backgrounds and struggles, creating a classroom atmosphere where students feel psychologically safe. Her approach aligns with Carl Rogers’ humanistic principles, emphasizing empathy, unconditional positive regard, and fostering self-actualization.

This approach helps students develop self-awareness and intrinsic motivation, which are vital for lifelong learning. Her method shows that understanding students as individuals with unique needs and potentials significantly enhances educational outcomes.

Ideal Learning Environment and Its Influence

The ideal learning environment for me would be a space characterized by safety, respect, and intellectual challenge. Such an environment would foster intrinsic motivation by nurturing curiosity and autonomy. It would include collaborative opportunities, personalized learning paths, and accessible resources. This scenario would increase my motivation and ability to learn by reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of belonging and self-efficacy.

However, obstacles such as limited resources, large class sizes, and rigid curriculum structures could hinder the creation of this ideal learning environment. Resistance to change among educators or institutions might also impede efforts to foster such settings. Recognizing these barriers is essential for designing strategies to overcome them and promote more effective learning environments.

Comparison with Classmates' Learning Environments

Comparing my ideal learning environment with those of my classmates reveals differing perspectives influenced by personal experiences and preferences. For example, some may prioritize technological integration, while others value personalized mentorship. These differences impact motivation; for instance, a learner who values autonomy may be more motivated in a flexible, student-centered setting. Conversely, structured environments might benefit learners who thrive on clear expectations. Understanding these variations helps in designing inclusive educational practices that cater to diverse needs and enhance overall learning outcomes.

Conclusion

The motivational strategies demonstrated in "Freedom Writers" underscore the importance of meeting students' basic needs and fostering a humanistic and autonomous learning environment. These elements are crucial for motivating students and promoting meaningful learning experiences. Creating such environments, despite potential obstacles, can significantly enhance educational success and personal development.

References

• Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
• Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370-396.
• Rogers, C. R. (1961). On becoming a person: A therapist's view of psychotherapy. Houghton Mifflin.
• Schunk, D. H., Pintrich, P. R., & Meece, J. L. (2014). Motivation in education: Theory, research, and practice. Pearson Higher Ed.
• Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W. H. Freeman.
• Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations: Classic definitions and new directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 54-67.
• Piaget, J. (1952). The origins of intelligence in children. International Universities Press.
• Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.
• Bloom, B. S. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives. Vol. 1: Cognitive domain. David McKay.
• Maslow, A. H. (1970). Motivation and personality. Harper and Row.