Activating the Desire to Learn - ASCD Conference

2:30-3:30
(I have this book)- brief handout provided
Bob Sullo
Three things worth remembering...
Behavior is Purposeful
Everybody is doing the best they can
Why did you do that

External Control Psychology
(the "carrot and stick" model)
Outside events "make" us do things - I can control your behavior through the systematic presentation of rewards and punishments

"You can't motivate other people... they are already motivated"

Coercion, Fear and learning
The limit of coercion is compliance - learning beyond boundaries
If you aspire to inspire, coercion is not effective
Impact of fear on learning - "Downshift" to survival

We are born with a natural desire to learn and achieve

What about rewards?
"Do this and you'll get that" makes people focus on the "that" and not the "this" Alfie Kahn - Punished by Rewards

Impact of external rewards...
We unintentionally devalue academic learning
Students work for reward rather than develop a love of learning
Need for freedom drives us to resist control even when rewarded

Responsibility
Behavior is predictable and control able response to outside stimuli
Teacher who uses the right "rewards" and punishments has a well-behaved class
THIS MEANS THE TEACHER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BEHAVIOR OF THE STUDENT - the students just react to rewards and punishments

Internal Control Psychology
Outside events provide us with information but never "make" us do anything
We are internally motivated by what we want at that moment
People are fee and accountable for their actions

'Create a shared vision with the kids of what you want as an educator"