Chapter 6: Motivation and Boredom

"Right before a vacation is definitely not a good time for a test. You're so close to vacation, and you don't feel like trying; you rationalize it that it's okay, and really you're going to feel bad about it later." ~ Bosung (page 110)

This chapter discussed the ins and outs to keeping students motivated in the classroom. There were four key components to what motivates students, the first is for the teach to be passionate about the subject AND teaching students, second is to cover and discuss issues that the students care about which leads into the third aspect which is connecting material to the real world. The fourth, and last aspect, is allowing the students to have choices in what they are learning or have to do for assignments. Then the chapter discusses how to keep students motivated. The general idea is to tailor the curriculum to the students and support them in their education. Being able to keep students interested will in turn help keep them motivated. Teachers who can help students stay on top of their work will also help motivate and keep students headed in the right direction. The final part I found important to this chapter was the timing aspect of giving assignments. Students are much more receptive and motivated if they have a say in when tests are, or how extensive projects and assignments will be. The authors of the book listed four good questions teachers can ask before planning and activity on page 111.

I chose to use the quote from Bosung because he stated exactly how I have felt in classes over my years in school. When a teacher wants to give a test on the last class right before break it is always hard to stay focused. I often thought if the teacher gave the test the week before vacation then my test score would probably be higher. I understand though why a teacher would want to give a test right before break; it is a way for them to go into break with a new topic to start when the students come back. The material is much harder to retain if you learn about something new right before a vacation and then are expected to still have it understood upon returning from vacation. I thought the timing aspect of the chapter was one of the most important sections. I think the list provided on page 112 is a very useful template for a classroom. I agreed with a lot of what was on the template for ideas teachers could use, but having the student input is what makes it such a valuable tool for a classroom.