Motivating Students and Teachers in an Era of Standards

by Richard D. Sagor

Designed to offset the pressures of standards and critical testing, a guide for school administrators looks at strategies to reduce teacher isolation, create better team efforts, and make classrooms more inviting for both teachers and students.

Genres: Education

152 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2003

Reviews

[A · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

[Scott Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Optimism is not just a personality thing. I can take steps to increase group optimism in my division, department, or classroom.

Theory meets practice. Sagor lays out four elements of motivation, or as he also likes to call it, optimism. Remember CBUP!

Compentence - I can do it and get better at it.
Belonging - I feel comfortable and welcome in the group.
Usefulness - My contributions make a difference.
Potency - I have enough control over my circumstances to increase my effectiveness.

He then methodically suggests ways that leaders and teachers can positively influence each of these elements. And that's the key idea. Leaders and teachers must accept their responsibility for influencing follower and student motivation.