Motivating students by finding their passion: A reflection on October Sky
By Thomas Brouillard
EDI 17 Psychology and Development of Adolescent Students
School of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
February 20, 2009
In today’s class there were many interesting discussions that took place. I personally enjoyed the lengthy conversation that I had with Matt and professor Boyanton. The conversation included questions like how can a teacher, administrator, and parent motivate a student. I thought this conversation tied very well into the movie we finished in class. Parents have a responsibility to be supportive to their children and their dreams. Unfortunately some parents believe they are helping or doing the right thing for their child, but instead this discourages them from exploring what they want to do with their lives.
In the movie Homer’s dad believe he was doing what was right for Homer, but he wasn’t. Eventually he realized his error and the end of the movie was very touching.
We also discussed how it is a myth that smart or intelligent students are not socially accepted. Again as stated in our discussion the notion that nerdy kids are considered uncool is generally not true. In the elementary level this does exist slightly but once you get to high school most kids popularity is based on their personality. This also ventures into another problem that exists in schools today, students tend to care more about their social status rather than their academic status. As time goes on and they mature this does change, but in high school this can be a problem.
It is important for teachers to motivate their students and try and help them find something they are very passionate about. Once a person is motivated and is passionate about something they will never stop. It is one of the best traits that human beings have.
One thing I am very passionate about is running. I run Cross Country and Track and Field. I have been for 7 years now. When I first started out it would be an understatement to say I was not good. Most people did not take me seriously. But as time went on people did, because I worked extremely hard. At first I was respected because of all the hard work and passion I put into the sport. Eventually that paid off and I was then respected for what I could run. I went from being last on a high school team to captain of a college cross country program.
My high school coach was always a great motivator and my current coach is also a great motivator. They have helped me get through some tough times were it seemed hard to continue on. Every teacher should strive to be like them and motivate and find what their students are passionate about and help them reach new levels.
Long Island University, C. W. Post
February 20, 2009
In today’s class there were many interesting discussions that took place. I personally enjoyed the lengthy conversation that I had with Matt and professor Boyanton. The conversation included questions like how can a teacher, administrator, and parent motivate a student. I thought this conversation tied very well into the movie we finished in class. Parents have a responsibility to be supportive to their children and their dreams. Unfortunately some parents believe they are helping or doing the right thing for their child, but instead this discourages them from exploring what they want to do with their lives.
In the movie Homer’s dad believe he was doing what was right for Homer, but he wasn’t. Eventually he realized his error and the end of the movie was very touching.
We also discussed how it is a myth that smart or intelligent students are not socially accepted. Again as stated in our discussion the notion that nerdy kids are considered uncool is generally not true. In the elementary level this does exist slightly but once you get to high school most kids popularity is based on their personality. This also ventures into another problem that exists in schools today, students tend to care more about their social status rather than their academic status. As time goes on and they mature this does change, but in high school this can be a problem.
It is important for teachers to motivate their students and try and help them find something they are very passionate about. Once a person is motivated and is passionate about something they will never stop. It is one of the best traits that human beings have.
One thing I am very passionate about is running. I run Cross Country and Track and Field. I have been for 7 years now. When I first started out it would be an understatement to say I was not good. Most people did not take me seriously. But as time went on people did, because I worked extremely hard. At first I was respected because of all the hard work and passion I put into the sport. Eventually that paid off and I was then respected for what I could run. I went from being last on a high school team to captain of a college cross country program.
My high school coach was always a great motivator and my current coach is also a great motivator. They have helped me get through some tough times were it seemed hard to continue on. Every teacher should strive to be like them and motivate and find what their students are passionate about and help them reach new levels.
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