Week 3A- Motivation as the road to engagement [Sept. 17, 2011, 11:46 p.m.]
Motivation is a tricky science. We are often committed to methods of motivation that are contrary to all studies on what motivates people. I believe it is because we have been culturally trained to behave in certain ways that seem to us "common sense" and yet turn out to be folly. Take a look at this video of Daniel Pink, the writer of Drive for thoughts on what does and does not motivate.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrkrvAUbU9Y
Alfie Kohn is another leading speaker on motivation in the classroom. His book, "Punished by Rewards" challenges educators to reconsider the use of rewards and punishments in the classroom.