“So what should we say when children complete a task—say, math problems—quickly and perfectly? Should we deny them the praise they have earned? Yes. When this happens, I say, “Whoops. I guess that was too easy. I apologize for wasting your time. Let’s do something you can really learn from!”
― Carol S. Dweck, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

Having a 2-year-old is not only fun, but mind-blowing at the same time.  I find myself thinking about what lies ahead for him; the obstacles he faces, the successes he will feel in all parts of his life, friendships that will come and go, etc.  It's at these times that I also reflect on my experiences from the classroom and wonder whether I truly motivated my students to learn or if I rather gave them false hope without even knowing.  I now find myself searching for a balance between being a father and being an educator.  In my son's life, I want to do whatever it takes to motivate and challenge his cognitive growth in the years to come.  The following article delves into four essential qualities connected to student motivation (autonomy, competence, relatedness, and relevance).  I hope that you find it as informative and compelling as I did.  Without question, I now have a broader view of what to consider moving forward as a father and an educator! 

 

Strategies for Helping Students Motivate Themselves