In my choir class, I can see how extrinsic motivation could be beneficial. Even something as simple as getting to learn a fun song once they've learned all of their other pieces well enough can be a good way to get students motivated in class. When I think of extrinsic motivation, I usually think of a big warning sign - I don't really like the idea of "bribing" or giving rewards , because I've seen a lot of examples with friends and family members where they've become motivated for the wrong reasons. However, it does have a place. Choir is a bit different from other subjects because most (not all, but most) students in choir want to be there - it's not a requirement. Therefore, hopefully they'll have intrinsic motivation to begin with. Sometimes, extrinsic motavtion can be used though, especially if it's a situation where I'm teaching a piece of music that the students don't really like but have to learn, or they have a performance they don't want to do. Little situations like that could use a reward sometimes! A big issue with choir, though, is the praise aspect. It's easy for a choir teacher to praise a student by telling them they're "such a good singer!" or have "so much raw talent!". This, in my mind, is pretty much the same as praising them for being intelligent (like Dweck warned against). Praising for effort, for practicing, and for other things such as diction or breath support are much more beneficial for singers, because it encourages them to try harder songs or practice more, whereas just saying "you have a beautiful voice!" doesn't motivate in the right way.
Tuesday, October 25
Blog Post 2, Motivation
This video was funny! I guess you could say that this form of motivation is effective, because I'm sure if that were the case, productivity would increase - I know if someone attacked me every time I procrastinated, I never would! However, I think it's pretty obvious that this form of motivation goes against a lot of the ideas the book says. First of all, I think the minute that Terry is removed from the situation, everyone will quickly go back to normal habits and the productivity would go way down again. Also, I don't think this would in any way increase intrinsic motivation, which is usually one of the goals when using extrinsic motivation. This is definitely a case where a successful performance is due to the reward (well, it's not really a "reward"... it's positive punishment, receiving something bad when they procrastinate), rather than their effort or ability.
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I totally see your point in the dangers of praise in choir. However, keep in mind that many students may not be as comfortable with singing as you are or have been in the past (given your career choice!). I remember being in choir in middle school, mainly because it was the thing to do at 5th grade, and I never quit.... I was fine singing in groups, but was TERRIFIED of singing alone. TERRIFIED! I think the praise would be very beneficial in making someone feel comfortable enough to take that risk of singing alone with confidence. I never received that from my director, and felt like only certain individuals in the group were valued and complimented in that way, and of course they got the solos, so trying out for those parts was both terrifying, and felt pointless. SO, I think that praise for creating a comfortable environment can go a LONG way. However, you don't want to praise the same person every day once they've become comfortable singing alone. You want them to improve their skill, as you say....
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