This is not the first year that we are asking our graduating pupils to submit their coursework much earlier, and although we tried to tweak our approach each year with the hope of improving things, the results are mixed and still leaves much to be desired. Are there pupils who are able to cope with the demands of time and quality on their coursework? Certainly, and they exist in each batch. The problem lies with the others who are not coping that well. And the more I see it, the more I think the difference lies in each individual's belief.
What are the differences between those pupils who are motivated, proactive and always seeking ways to improve themselves compared to their less confident counterparts who are always procrastinating, slow and general less 'hungry'? It is their belief, and both groups have in a sense already decided whether they are going to excel or to trail behind.
Pupils have no problems understanding the consequences of procrastination, or should I say that they understand it at an intellectual level, but not necessarily be able to realise it at an emotional level that prompts for action to be taken. It would be great if as educators, we are able to have this skill of effectively changing our pupils' belief about themselves so that they can make good decisions for what exactly they want to succeed in.
After showing my Sec 4 class Anthony Robbin's TED talk during the Art Camp, I got interested in the Neuro-linguistic programming that he is associated with and is currently reading one of his books. Hopefully I can pick up some skills to better motivate my pupils.
1 comment:
If the difference truly lies in their individual belief and motivation, then we ought to workup their appetite for success, even small ones in little tasks.
It could be helped along with a culture where they each feel success, both theirs and others.
Would "motivation talk" help? Not sure. Its a once-off without sustained focus on the need of and tactics towards success.
What pupils need would be constant use of these tactics with constant reminder of the purpose of success.
Perhaps NLP could help since it works with the brain directly. By the way, emotions are determined by the brain, the intellect.
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