Module 5

Module 5: Chapters 12, 14, and 15

Chapter 12 started by explaining what motivation is. It described how in psychology motivation focuses on five questions. It then proceeded to explain about needs and self-determination, Maslow called four lower-level needs deficiency needs which are survival, safety, belonging and self-esteem. Once they are met the motivation for fulfilling them decreases. What stood out to me in this chapter is how goals are most motivating when they are specific and attainable. When I make specific goals that are difficult yet attainable, I get very motivated to accomplish it. On the other hand if I make a general goal, I do not attain it most of the time.

Chapter 14, started with research on teaching and what methods have been used to study teaching. It then talks about what makes a good teacher, generally teachers that get proper training and certifications tend to perform better. I worked at a pre-school center at that time I had my associate and was in school for my education degree. They used to hire teachers that do not have any college background to avoid paying them too much, and their lack of capabilities was very easy to point out. The teachers that were certified were very few, however they were much more knowledgeable and better at teaching.

Chapter 15 talked about, basic assessments and how testing was creating in the twentieth century, and that is not what was used before to determine college admittance. Classroom assessment and testing is one thing I need to wrap around my head as a teacher, since I believe it is very important to assess students to see where they are at as of comprehension. However, stressing on grades so much wipes creativity. I do see that in the elementary years, grades are not very significant to not stress students they use numbers instead. However, in the secondary and college years I believe are too pressuring that I do most of my work because I want to pass my classes rather than wanting to learn. As a teacher I would want my students to meet standards smoothly without stressing them with grades the majority of the times, and also keep their creativity intact.