Motivating students by supporting their dreams

By Kristy Niemeyer
College of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
November, 2010

During today's class we watched a film called October Sky. It reflected the idea of how student's should have dreams and how society can sometimes conflict with those dreams. I think it is important for a child to have dreams because it is something that keeps them going. Unless their dream is extremely far fetched, than the child should be encouraged to pursue their dream.

If a student goes to class just because they have to and for no personal reasons then they will not enjoy going to school. In October Sky, the main character Homer is motivated and encouraged when he sees Sputnik and his science teacher also encourages him. Homer learns to not care what other people think and he wants to break the mold that every man will become a coal miner once they leave high school. He has a certain motivation that he does not want to ignore and he shouldn't. Homer has a right to want something better for his life, especially because coal mining is a dangerous career. Homer enjoys rockets and the idea of rocket science so his pursuing of that career is only making is life more enjoyable.

I also believe that teachers should encourage motivation in the classroom by making all ideas possible. Of course teachers need to set the boundaries on what would be realistic and keep those ideals in mind, but to give every student their own opportunity to achieve. Teachers should learn different strategies of teaching so that they can favor each type of student because everyone learns differently. Some may be able to puruse their dreams from writing, others from listening and some from speaking and expressing themselves verbally. There should also be creative opportunities so that students can creatively express how they are feeling and always keep their future in mind.