Thursday, April 14, 2011

Chapter 9: Neuroscience

Constructivist theory suggests that the motivation for certain behaviors comes from the “anticipation” of a reward in contrast to “receiving” the reward. This theory goes on to suggest that when a reward is consistently received for competent behaviors the motivation to continue the behavior is maintained.  I consistently find that my anticipation for a reward motivates me to continue behaviors that will help me achieve that reward (i.e. getting a paycheck).  In addition, the anticipation is much more pronounced when I am anticipating the reward (i.e. dreaming about what I’ll do with the money). When the reward arrives my emotions go back to neutral.  My daughter does the same thing.  The anticipation for the reward of going to Six Flags for good grades keeps my daughter focused and excited long before the event.  When the “reward” day comes, she’s back to a neutral emotional state.  Do you have any examples of being motivated to behave in a certain way in anticipation of a reward?

4 comments:

  1. Oh yes!! My husband rewards me every summer with a trip! He says I'm a very hard working teacher and that I deserve a well rested summer, accompanied by a trip somewhere, wherever! haha So throughout the school year I work so hard with my students, reaching each and every one. This anticipation of a reward also helps the school year fly by. This summer we'll be going to Vegas; it's our favorite place!

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  3. I saw this behavior with my 3rd graders when I was teaching. There were some six week periods in which the teachers would plan big outdoor activities for the students at the end of the six weeks if they showed good behavior throughout the six weeks. The students would be very conscious of their behavior and would actually remind each other of the activity and keep themselves in check, but if no activity was planned, they showed no motivation to better their behavior. Not all students had behavior issues, but the students that did, did better their behavior when they knew that there was a reward at hand if they behaved. That was very helpful.

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  4. Yes, every summer I work a program where I teach kids how to play chess. My reward for doing that is extra pay and I use that extra to pay to pay for my summer vacation, this summer Iam going to las vegas. It's also my reward for working all year. This is Juan Garcia.

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