Chapter+4+-++Emphasizing+Effort

MOTIVATING STUDENTS WHO DON’T CARE By Allen N. Mendler

Chapter 4: EMPHASIZING EFFORT Mark, Tara, Casey, Megan, Monico

1. Practical and Promising Suggestions

o Build on mistakes or partially correct answers – celebrate what is right and point out how the mistakes can be helpful. Use them as platforms for meeting students where they are, and as jumping off points for students as they stretch to do better. o Allow and encourage the three R’s: Redo, Retake, Revise (within reason – student must have demonstrated effort to master skills). o Separate effort from achievement! Many students are trapped in the belief that their intelligence is fixed and is responsible for success or failure. Reward effort with a separate grade. o Encourage each student to do one little thing every day (emotionally, academically, or socially) to improve themselves or the world. o SHOW SIMPLE COURTESY! Remember, these aren’t just students – they’re people. Ask yourself: When are you most likely to do something for someone? In the same vein, give students reasons to make the effort. Connect their work to the real world or to their other studies. o Let students know that they are more important than what they do – and that you see and appreciate that. If they’re always late, don’t harp on the lateness. Tell them that you miss them when they’re not there. Simple reframing of this kind can be just the thing a student needs in order to believe that you care about him or her. o Ask for small things first. Unmotivated students are more likely to comply if asked to do things in small chunks. Build on those chunks. o Develop a contract. People take things more seriously when they’re in black & white. o Celebrate markers and endings. Acknowledge that it was hard work and that they deserve a moment to enjoy their achievements!

2. Alternate Strategies

o Emphasize your personal attachment to the material; let them see your enthusiasm. Be a demonstration of genuine interest in the subject. o LET THEM SEE YOU FAIL. Think aloud in front of them. If you want them to believe that effort is the important part and that mistakes are the key to learning, let them see your effort, your mistakes, and your personal growth. o Celebrate the process. Make slideshows of the best quotes from their drafts. Acknowledge and reward moments of clarity and engagement along the way, instead of always waiting for the final product. o Thank them for making mistakes! Tell them that, without those, we would have nothing to work with. If the world were a perfect place, we wouldn’t be in school anyway. ☺