As I was motorvatin' over the hill I saw Maybellene in a Coupé De Ville (Chuck Berry)

Photo by Hannah Wei on Unsplash

According to Jere Brophy, motivation to learn is a competence acquired "through general experience but stimulated most directly through modeling, communication of expectations, and direct instruction or socialization by significant others (especially parents and teachers)."

We are currently exploring plans for teaching staff to be more of a presence in our Learning Centres: venue for where Year 9 to 13 students do their zoom lessons and study. We also have separate Learning Centres for primary students and middle school students (Years 7 and 8).

It means that all teachers will need to take their non-contact (a.k.a. release) periods in one of those Learning Centres wherever appropriate - sometimes confidential work or work involving specialist technology may mean a different choice of venue.

The decision has been made at a higher level than me, and I dare say there are other potential factors involved, but it also seems that Brophy's thoughts are an important component.

What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie? (Dionne Warwick)

Photo by Cristofer Jeschke on Unsplash

As we conclude one cycle of teacher inquiries and embark on the next, it's a good time to take stock and re-establish the purpose of teacher enquiries.

What are they and why do them?

The Best Evidence Synthesis snazzily says that 'Teacher inquiry should be based on your students' learning needs, your own learning needs, and the impact of your practice on student learning and achievement'.

For me, that means finding an area that I am passionate about understanding and improving. It has to be worthwhile to me because it will likely last a year of careful reflection.

My next inquiry will focus on the motivations that drive my students to succeed in NCEA internal Achievement Standards and externals. 

I believe that the motivations are complex, and that there is a real imbalance and I want to investigate that for 2021.

As per my last teacher inquiry, you'll be reading about my progress in this blog from time to time.

Motivation is what gets you started (Jim Ryun)

Last week we bid farewell to the senior students - off on study leave for the NCEA External Examinations.

It's been a tough few weeks as we've sought to motivate them to create study plans, complete practice essays, and have a revision programme in place.

The extrinsic and intrinsic motivations that are in play during the three terms that concentrate on Internal Achievement Standards, don't appear to apply to the Externals.

We need a rethink!

Interestingly, it seems the opposite is true in the northern hemisphere, affected by lock-downs and Covid-19 disruptions. There teachers are struggling to motivate students because there aren't exams! 

This (what motivates students and how we sustain and adapt for different circumstances) will be my Teacher Inquiry for 2021!