Part 3

Critically reflect on the theories of at least two Psychologists and apply their theories to techniques for improving student motivation.

With human society evolving so fast, bringing about constant changes in young people, educators need to look towards a diverse and flexible theory of classroom management which has to center around the integrated student who becomes an active student and strives towards higher thinking. We have to engage the student into creative activities which engage and connect them with the learning material. The student centered learning is all about an active learning.
Glasser’s “Choice theory” is one of the very important theories contributing towards a modern approach to classroom management with the focus on teachers helping the student to take responsibility for their own behaviours. Glasser introduced the concept of a teacher who is a leader, not a boss. To be a leader teacher means to become conscious of creating an environment with major focus on the relationship between student and teacher and to develop trust and respect for each other. In that kind of environment the student also sees that every person can only control their own behaviour.
Rudolf Dreikurs added another more pragmatic and, for my taste, more profound side to Glasser’s theory in claiming that people are basically of a social nature and want to belong to a social group. Student’s misbehaviour, according to Dreikurs, is associated with the four following goals: attention, power, revenge and inadequacy. The cause and effect of students misbehaviour is been met by logical consequences which are imposed by a higher authority.
I think it is most important for the student’s welfare to let the student be part of creating the rules for the classroom order so they are later been met by logical consequences. The classroom should be a happy and engaging place to be in. Instead of delivering everything to the young people, I make sure that the students will create together the material whilst working in groups. The lesson plans should be laid out in attainable goals and Glasser’s five needs should be met in the lesson with love, power, survival, freedom, fun and learning. Another big motivation for the student is his/her self- concept of how much can be achieved from each individual.

An educator who takes these approaches is likely to be one who believes in the potential success of each student. This is of the greatest importance. A teacher who communicates to the students that they all are on a journey which will lead to achievement is likely to achieve great results and to minimize disruptive behaviour in the classroom. This is the attitude which is embodied in the educational theories of Rudolf Steiner. He advocated a respect for the individual gifts of each child, and a reverence for the individual path of each. This is met by creative and artistic teaching methods, and compatible with Gardner’s theories of multiple intelligence:


“Reverence, enthusiasm and a sense of guardianship, there three are actually the panacea, the magic remedy, in the soul of the educator and teacher.” Rudolf Steiner