PLE 4

I have always been motivated by intrinsic values. When I was younger I was a dancer and practiced and performed just so I could get better, not for a reward. I have always felt that success is my reward. I was always allowed to choose what I wanted to do as far as school and activities. I chose to go to a private all girls college prep school to get the best education. When I got to college, I found my major and loved it so much that getting to do it everyday felt like a reward in itself. Striving to be the best in it, and knowing I am good at it is all the motivation I need. I have always felt like I was very lucky to feel this way because not everyone loves what they do this much and I thought it was just lucky I found my "calling" but I guess I am just really self-motivated. This seems to be within the cognitive-theories of self determination and being able to choose what I want to do. Also within the social-cognitive theories, I believe in my abilities with sign language interpreting which is daily encouragement and makes it not seem like work. I don't know if I would be nearly as motivated if I was more limited in my choices by my family or in school. I have also been much less motivated in activities I do not enjoy. In math classes, I struggle. In history I can barely stay awake, but in the most advanced ASL classes, I show up early, do extra credit, have straight A's, and could answer any question about anything. I have kept thinking about the discussion in class about giving students the opportunity to choose projects. This option to choose has worked so well for me in every aspect of my life so I believe it would work well for other students as well. Most importantly I think teachers can come up with creative was to come up with options that are different enough to appeal to different types of learners while keeping them equally as challenging and educational. Then the students will have more likely to be motivated by the choice and possibly choosing the one that interests them more.