Use Motivation well
Every one need to be motivated, from toddler’s stage till seniors’ stage. “Motivation is the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. It is what causes you to act, whether it is getting a glass of water to reduce thirst or reading a book to gain knowledge. “( Cherry K. ,2020). As we know that there are two types of motivation. On one hand, the intrinsic motivation; which is the act of doing something without any obvious external rewards. The individual motivates himself, he or she is doing the action or the activity without waiting a reward from any one. On the other hand, extrinsic motivation; which is reward-driven behavior, rewards or other incentives. As praise, fame, or money are used as motivation for specific activities. Here the individual is doing the activities for certain reason. For example a player is keeping practicing in order to win at the tournament. Or the student is studying to get the highest score and receive a praise or reward from his or her parents and teachers. Actually motivation has a great role in encouraging the children to learn or practice any kind of activity. It should push them toward not backward. Moreover, motivation helps children to gain confidence too.
In my opinion motivation should be in positive way as it help in creating the safe environment for the children to learn. Even for the adults to work. So, using the negative motivation; like fear. For example if the child did not do the assignment then he will be punished. So the child will study or do the assignment to not be punished or to avoid anything hurt his feeling. I believe that this kind of motivation is against the morality.
Unfortunately, recently, I have found many people uses harsh words and underestimate them. In addition, act so rude with kids. After I have observed some children, and I have found how they get hurt, I asked those adults why you are using this technique, Instead of encouraging the child with positive words and motivate them?. Then, I was surprised that they use this cruel technique in order to encourage them. They see that when they use negative words like “you can’t do it” or “you are so weak” this gives the child a push to be better. But in fact, this get the child has low self- confidence and will not be willing to do the task. This situation you could find it in many clubs; that the coaches underestimate the players, they are thinking that this way will help in improving the players’ performance. Also some parents and teachers are still using this harsh way. To whoever uses this kind of negative word and think that will help the child, believe me you are doing the opposite, you are not helping the child to improve and become better person. Whoever works with children whether teachers, Parents or coachers, you should focus on the child’s effort, then praise this effort. This will encourage the child to work hard and will definitely will let the child achieve more. Besides, we all should believe in their abilities. As Dreikurs emphasized encouragement and felt it was the most important skill adult could learn in helping children. He said many times “children need encouragement, just as plants need water. They cannot survive without it.” When discouragement is removed, the motivation for misbehavior will be gone also.( Jane Nelsen,2006). In addition, Jane Nelsen Ed.D added that most parents and teachers who believe punishment works have not explored the long term negative results.
Finally, “believing that one is competent or capable of handling a particular task can be highly motivating, even when it is not true. Conversely, believing that one is incompetent can undermine motivation to tackle new task and erode efforts to compete ongoing tasks, even when one’s underlying ability is high (pressley & McCornick 1995,P.112). Also “younger children have highly positive perceptions of their academic abilities often in excess of their objectives skill level”( Entwisle& Hayduk,1998; Parsons& Ruble,1977, Perssely &Ghatata, 1989). It is so essential to motivate and encourage our children and students with positive words. As it will have a great impact on their progress. It will also create a safe environment for the children to learn and improve themselves. This only need teacher, parent and coach; who has a growth mindset to deal with children. All of us should remember that “Children are simply following the examples all around them. They also want to be treated with dignity and respect.”( Jane Nelsen,2006). As mentioned by Carol Dweck that “people with the growth mindset, however, believe something very different. For them, even genuises have to work hard for their achievements. And what’s so heroic, they would say, about having gift? They may appreciate endowment, but they admire effort, for no matter what your ability is, effort is what ignites that ability and turns it into accomplishment.” So, keep encouraging and motivating children to raise their self-confidence and never forget to praise their effort.
References:
- Cherry K., What Is Motivation?, Behavioral Psychology, April 27th, 2020 https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-motivation-2795378#:~:text=Motivation%20is%20the%20process%20that,and%20maintains%20goal%2Doriented%20behaviors.&text=Motivation%20involves%20the%20biological%2C%20emotional,why%20a%20person%20does%20something.
- Cole, David A., et al. “Children’s Over- and Underestimation of Academic Competence: A Longitudinal Study of Gender Differences, Depression, and Anxiety.” Child Development, vol. 70, no. 2, 1999, pp. 459–473. JSTOR, jstor.org/stable/1132100. Accessed 31 Dec. 2020.
- Nelsen J. Positive Discipline: The Classic Guide to Helping Children Develop Self-Discipline, Responsibility, Cooperation, and Problem-Solving Skills, May 1st, 2006, Random House, Inc.
- Dweck, Carol S. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. New York: Random House, 2006. Print.