Motivation

* A summary of what you have learned from the chapter readings.
It seems to me Motivation is accomplished and maintained through a variety of factors and methods. The text discusses several ways to begin. The simplest and perhaps most effective way to begin is to bring enthusiasm to your subject. While the humanistic view believes kids who don't get their basic needs met are at risk of making poor choices, the cognitive view looks at motivation more from the view that kids are separated into high need and low need performers.

* Compare what you have learned from the reading with what you have experienced in life so far.

I try remembering from my own experience some of hte things we are talking about now in regards to this chapter but I seem to have a better time looking at it with regards to my own kids. I see alot of these being used and it seems she is using a mixed bag of techniques to get the kids kids involved. She uses a weekly and monthly reward system to induce good behavior. Charts and the posting of who has accomplished what skills in the hall outside of class.
* Describe how keeping this journal has helped you organize ideas for teaching; come up with new ideas; etc.
I'm using this for notetaking

* Comment on anything new and exciting you have learned from the discussion boards that you feel will help you in becoming a teacher.

Ashley expanded on an idea I had about a lounge space, maybe able to work in a lounge day to read or otherwise learn through something other than class work.


http://www.blairoaks.k12.mo.us/highschool.htm


* Why would you want to teach in this particular school district?
They seem like they make it easier to succeed as a student, and as a teacher. They just moved into a new middle school this year and with it have access to more resources and room.

* What makes this school district stand out from others that you found on the Internet?
The website is up to date. They even have the calender precise to the point that debate practice is listed and the time it is to be held.
* Are there specific features that this school district has to offer that you hadn't thought of before? What are they? If not, what would you like?
They have a thing on the website called the learning Express library. In it I found practice tests for students so they can see where they are in a given subject. Also practice college entrance exams and a variety of skill improvement resources that cover all subjects. Seems very interesting and almost like preventative maintenance for the student.
* Would you ever consider applying for a job at this school district? Why or why not?
Absolutely, they seem to have everything, I cannot however find their pay structure.

* Based on what we've learned so far in this class, how does this school district measure up?
Excellent, probably the second best I've found academically, and thats becasue my last was a charter school. Blair Oaks however won State in football last year. So I'll call that a wash.