Using Technology to Motivate Students free essay sample

Heafner, T. (2004). Using technology to motivate students to learn social studies. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 4(1), 42-53. Using Technology to Motivate Students to Learn Social Studies Tina Heafner University of North Carolina at Charlotte Abstract Many teachers struggle with motivating students to learn. This is especially prevalent in social studies classrooms in which students perceive social studies as boring (Schug, Todd, Berry, 1984; Shaughnessy Haladyana, 1985). This article advocates the use of technology in social studies as a means to motivate students by engaging students in the learning process with the use of a familiar instructional tool that improves students’ selfefficacy and self-worth. The potential that technology has to motivate students is discussed as it relates to expectancy-value model of motivation which focuses three areas of motivational theory (Pintrich Schunk, 1996): value (students’ beliefs about the importance or value of a task), expectancy (students’ beliefs about their ability or skill to perform the task), and affective (emotional reactio ns to the task and self-worth evaluation). We will write a custom essay sample on Using Technology to Motivate Students or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Recently, during fieldwork, the author was observing in a high school government class. The social studies concepts discussed in the lesson were political parties, the role of campaigning, and the impact of media on citizens’ decisions. The teacher integrated a variety of traditional and constructivist instructional methods. She incorporated a brief lecture, questioning strategies to discuss readings, graphic organizers, and video clips of recent election campaign commercials. Despite her efforts to engage students, the class was chaotic. What follows is an excerpt from the author’s field notes describing the complexities of the classroom environment. Twenty -five students are seated in pods of four. One girl in the back is putting on eyeliner and eye shadow. She frequently chats with two boys seated at her table. She proceeds to mash zits. Two girls and one boy socialize in the back of the class. They are more concerned about the social complexities of the school rather than listening. However, periodically one will shout out a correct answer without interrupting the flow of the social conversation. One girl, sitting in the back of the class, totally isolates herself and has no verbal or nonverbal communication with her peers or the teacher. A quiet boy and two girls sit at a table located in the front of the class. They do not share comments and appear to be intimidated by their peers. 42 Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 4(1) A girl on the other side of the class begins to sing and continues to do so periodically throughout the class time. Another girl gets up and walks around the room. She is told to sit down, which she does, and in five minutes gets up and walks around again. She is struggling to stay in her seat and is clearly unconcerned with the class discussion. A boy in the center of the class covers his head with his hood, lays his head down, and goes to sleep. Two other girls at his table are engaged in a conversation about who will be homecoming queen. What is a teacher to do with a class like this? This is a perplexing situation, yet a common dilemma teachers encounter. Many teachers struggle with the lack of student interest in the content which translates into a lack of motivation to learn. This is especially prevalent in social studies classrooms. Research indicates that students often are uninterested in social studies because they perceive it as a boring subject (Schug, Todd, Berry, 1984; Shaughnessy Haladyana, 1985). Students tend to equate uninteresting with unimportant; thus, students are not motivated to learn social studies content due to the lack of value of the content. Educators suggest that lack of student interest in social studies is related to the instructional methods utilized in disseminating information (Martorella, 1997). This paper describes my investigation of technology integration in social studies instruction to build an understanding of why technology is being used to teach social studies content. Given the nature of social studies instruction and the need to engage students in the learning process, I selected motivational theory as a theoretical frame for this research. Motivational Theory To clarify a general misconception, motivation and ability are not equivalent. Motivation refers to what a person will attempt, yet ability is defined as what a person can do (Pintrich Schunk, 1996). Thus, the purpose of motivation theory is to explain student behavior and influence future behavior. Recent theories of motivation can be categorized as variations of expectancy-value model of motivation (Pintrich Schunk, 1996). This model focuses on three areas: value (students’ beliefs about the importance or value Figure 1. Expectancy -Value Model of a task), expectancy (students’ beliefs about their ability or skill to perform the task), and affective (emotional reactions to the task and self-worth evaluation). Figure 1 represents the 43 Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 4(1) relationship between the three areas of expectancy -value motivational theory (Pintrich Schunk, 1996). First, task-value motivational theory addresses the question of why an individual completes a task.

Business Management Vs Leadership - Critical Analysis Essay

Business Management Vs Leadership - Critical Analysis EssayI am writing this article to get a sample critical analysis essay of management vs. leadership in a business setting. There are many components to a business management vs. leadership statement.The second component is an essay which will be based on the first part. In a critical analysis essay, the essay will ask the question of 'why.' The essay will not only ask about why the statement was made. It will also present and contrast what would be the results if the change is not made.In a business, the vision and mission of the company will come from its founders, but today, most companies are owners and managers. The original purpose and vision of the company are no longer a necessity. What happens when that vision is changed?First, it will become a goal that employees want to achieve, a goal that they will strive for to be successful, but the customer will be the primary driver behind their success. Second, their customers wil l have a greater impact on their business, but it will become the 'third part' which will be a corporate board, in order to maintain its ability to make the most profits, which may require ownership, but the philosophy of ownership, no longer needs to dictate their success.Ownership has been replaced by leadership, as an avenue to success. Once the individuals, who were the vision and mission of the company, are replaced by those who are the owner, and the customers are taken out of the equation, then the original goals and the ability to be successful in achieving them, no longer exist. The business can no longer fulfill its true purpose.Freedom of choice, creativity, and independence will no longer exist, but the results of freedom and creativity must still be valued by the owner, but the original purpose is not. The results of free will and independence are not as important to the business as profits.The third part, ownership, and the freedom of choice and creativity will be repl aced by the board, whose philosophy is the belief that the role of the manager is no longer needed. The goal is to have the job done so well, that no one has to be at the helm. However, there will still be competition, but competition will not bring a better value for the owner.As I mentioned in the beginning, this analysis of business vs. leadership is for the 'individual people,' and not to give answers to a question. This is meant to show a person the results that a situation will have, and if they do not like it, or if they choose to ignore it, it may not be fair.

Business Administration essay

Business Administration essay Business Administration essay Business Administration essayApple, Google and e-Bay are the strongest brands that are likely to retain the competitive advantage and enhance their position due to the popularity of their brands. These brands will hold a strong position because they are recognized as leaders in the high tech industry and online business. They are renowned worldwide and focus on innovations as is the case of Apple and Google, while e-Bay is the major online auction that will retain a strong position due to the popularity of online transactions.The internet’s capabilities will have the determinant impact on the three brands, especially e-Bay and Google because these brands are primarily internet-based ones. The huge impact of internet is the result of the transforming internet into the mainstream media.Internal EnvironmentThe internal environment of Google is strong due to the focus on innovation and the high level of autonomy of its employees, who work on multiple projects, while the company pr ovides funding for the most prospective ones. On the other hand, the major weakness of the internal environment is the high costs of operations of the company and the lack of control and close interaction between different project teams.The company can enhance its competitive position through elaborating the clear strategy and focus on specific projects that match the chosen strategy.ECO -320 Money and BankingThe Structure of Interest RatesThe choice of 30-year or 15-year mortgage depends on the level of income of the home buyer. If the home owner wants to make smaller payments but for a longer time and, eventually pay more for the home in total, then the owner should choose 30-year mortgage, but if the owner wants to pay off the loan faster, he/she should chose a 15-year mortgage. The 30-year mortgage also makes sense more than the 15-year one because $200,000 plus interest rates may have lower value compared to the same sum plus interest rate for the 15 year period.Secure investm ent is the core concept that would determine my decision to invest a $10,000 in debt securities because such investments will bring me low but certain profit.Real Interest Rates Explicate the significance of unexpected inflation so someone completely unfamiliar with economics could make better financial decisions (if he / she listened to your explanation).The unexpected inflation can trigger a profound economic crisis because prices grow fast, while the banking industry and businesses are unprepared for the inflation. As a result, prices grow fast that forces the central bank to issue more money, which turn out to be devaluated because the growth of price forces customers to pay the higher price for the product, which used to be cheaper recently. As a result, businesses and customers become uncertain in their future and shift to saving being afraid of their inability to afford living, if they keep spending their money, while price keep growing.If the inflation rate is low, it is bet ter to invest money into debt securities because they will bring low but certain profit. If the inflation is high, it is better to invest into derivatives which can bring higher profits, even though they are associated with higher risk compared to debt securities or focus on long-run investments.

4 Personality Types Taught by Angels

The four personality types taught by angels are different because each person has different personality, personality, character, ability, sensibility, so that each person succeeds. Therefore, successful methods can be widespread, but you need to consider the rules of success depending on the type of different personality. However, many authors of books on How to Succeed will create success rules only based on the type of personality. If a person has the same personality type as the author of How to Succeed, that person may like the successful way of that author. Have you heard that someone is a person of type A? Have you ever thought what they mean? In fact, there are four different personality types that fall into the main categories. They are called type A, B, C, D. Each personality type has specific features and characteristics that distinguish it from other types. People of personality type A tend to concentrate on competition. They like to attain greatness and they do not like i t when they need to spend a lot of time to experience success. People with this character often tackle multiple projects at the same time in many cases. Because, in most cases, it needs to be seen as a winner. They sometimes feel unsafe. Especially, in order not to be regarded as a success and to have the opportunity to achieve the goal quickly, we will go to a breakthrough on a regular basis. The four personality types taught by angels are different because each person has different personality, personality, character, ability, sensibility, so that each person succeeds. Therefore, successful methods can be widespread, but you need to consider the rules of success depending on the type of different personality. However, many authors of books on How to Succeed will create success rules only based on the type of personality. If a person has the same personality type as the author of How to Succeed, that person may like the successful way of that author. When you know what you are look ing for, there are four easy-to-find consumers. There are six types of fiscal expenditure, combined with four personality types, you can use a powerful collection tool as a collector. As a good collector tells you, knowledge is the most powerful tool in the collection. Analysis of collections and sales Consumers look for facts and data. People with this type of personality will study facilities before they touch. They are not those who decide to pay the debt. They may first check the debt to the customer or insurance department. Prior to making a decision or deciding a decision, we will focus on validating information and selecting it.

Nelson Mandela Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Nelson Mandela - Research Paper Example Nelson Mandela’s rejection of the offer of conditional amnesty made by Botha, the second was Nelson Mandela’s search for a way to make peace after the assassination of Chris Hani, and the third was Nelson Mandela’s refusal to stand as president for a second term. Because of these decisions, Nelson Mandela not only served as a successful political leader, but also earned a lot of respect in the eyes of people of his own nation as well as the whole world in general. The African National Congress was in much need of a sturdier measure against the apartheid government. The armed wing launched by Nelson Mandela helped attack the apartheid government. Today, he is remembered as a very successful political leader and people study his leadership tenure to learn lessons for effective and successful leadership. Nelson Mandela can be considered as a great leader because he is the pioneer of the modern South Africa. The influence of Nelson Mandela on the political scenario of South Africa today is huge. Nelson Mandela was very popular among the South Africans. Many people of his nation called him Madiba that was the traditional clan name of Nelson Mandela. He was also known by the word Tata, which is used to refer to father in the tribe of Xhosa (Karimi, 2013). He struggled for freedom tirelessly, which earned Nelson Mandela the respect of not only his own people, but also the whole world at large. He is popular for his passion, humanity, and humility. Nelson Mandela saw the armed fight as a mechanism of defense against the violence inflicted by the government. He said, â€Å"My people, Africans, are turning to deliberate acts of violence and of force against the government in order to persuade the government, in the only language which this government shows by its own behavior that it understands†¦If there is no dawning of sanity on the part of the government -- ultimately, the dispute between the government and my people will finish up by being settled in violence and

Home and Family Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Home and Family - Essay Example Most of these parents are more concerned with their own lives than their children. In â€Å"After Making Love We Hear Footsteps†, the loving nature of a parent can be observed. After two parents make love their little boy always ran to sleep in between them. Instead of throwing the child out of their bed, the parents welcome him with open arms: These parents show their child love by accepting them into their very private bed. This child is the center of the universe for his parents. Unlike other examples that will be later given, this child will grow up to be confident and well adjusted. As will be presented, this situation is a very unique and rare example. â€Å"Orthello† shows one typical view of the parent/child relationship. Brabantio treats his daughter, Desdemona, like his personal property. Desdemona means as much to Brabantio as his gold. The following passage shows this emotion: Brabantio only cared about what Desdemona could do for him by marrying rich, than treating her lovingly. Desdemona was definitely on Brabantio’s peripheral vision, until she messed up his plans by marrying Orthello. other. After the father is laid off, he takes joy in others’ misfortune. Whenever a fire truck can be heard, the father takes is family out to watch the fires. The child only knows that he receives attention by his otherwise occupied father. He tells: Despite the suffering of the family whose house burned, the father feels justified because at least he still has a house. The child is ripped out of bed to see his father’s sick obsession. The parent is passing down his own issues to the child. The father could have easily gone to the fires alone. It would have been faster than taking a wife and five children along. The father wanted an audience, just like the wife went to keep peace. That is what the wife wanted to accomplish; peace. She felt

Use of Culture in Writing Essay -- essays research papers

The Culture â€Å",Culture†, is a concept which is related to the art, beliefs and traditions of a society. Even if it is thought as a concept used in social norms, it is the real value of a society by carrying the significant characteristic features of being â€Å",identity†,. It means that the culture forms the society’,s real identity. There are so many writers whose works are based upon the concept of the culture. Stephen Greenblatt is the one who has an essay about the culture and its affects on literature under the name of â€Å",Culture†,. Greenblatt stresses that the cultural norms include the constraints and mobility in his own building. He wants to say that the cultural norms include both the limited and changeable qualities in it. It causes the paradox and the paradox causes the creation of new things and improvisation. In his essay, Greenblatt says, â€Å",...a set of patterns which have enough elasticity...†,. With this sentence, Greenblatt implies the relationship between culture and literature. For him, the culture is tied to the literature strongly. Moreover, they can not be sepa...