MODULE 3. Motivations for Success

Motivation is a driving force towards attaining what you want in life, i.e your goals and ambitions. How you will do a certain tasks must start with you in terms of the motivation you set for yourself. The driving theory maybe good at explaining this so called driving force but shallow enough to understand the real context of what and how motivation in successful learning. People have even faced failure/mistake before intrinsically motivated and succeed like Thomas Edison, The Beatles, Michael Jordan among others.

Motivation greatly shapes your actions. It is like a lamp that for it to become energized you need fuel or electricity. Motivation is the energy, it creates the spark until you reached the state of FLOW as explained by Mihaly. The flow describes the dimension when you have both the skill and challenge. As a novice in PTC, to be honest at first I was not that familiar with how I face it. I am anxious that I might not follow or do things they require because of my pregnant condition. But then, as weeks passed by, I am used to it and every time I worked on modules, I am challenged and when I do the activities, I see to it that I am in flow. Because I give due importance to time management and I know I have acquired the skill of metacognition to understand it. But then distractions are part of everyday life and coping mechanism are as important.

I came to realized that there are other theories which can explain motivation like humanistic, cognitive, behavioral, social, intrinsic/extrinsic, and the flow theory. Looking at myself now while doing this blog, I was motivated by my eagerness to finish the modules because in days I will soon be delivering our first baby. My goal is even if I will be nursing my baby in a few days, I see to it that I should pass the requirements and join discussions later on. My motivation therefore is cognitive and intrinsic in nature because it comes from my internal being. I believe it is still us who can best determine how likely we finish a certain task. I do not need rewards or praises or high grades to finish something, but what I want is my goal to finish this PTC successfully considering all my barriers.

But somehow in my life I was also unmotivated because of discrimination. That was when I do research and submit it in journals, then the university gave this merit to those who do such but failed to give what is due for me. They explained to me that I do not have yet the item and so the next school year I was not motivated and did not accomplish anything about research. But then my supervisor advised me that even if the reason is like that I should not stop doing research because I can use that in the future.  And it so happened that I love research and so I went back.

My motivations changed as I observed and this depends on the type of task I am performing. My work as a teacher which sometimes they are more on behavioral like promotion, bonus, awards are the driving force. But for my classrooms, I never had used this reward system because I want my students to realize the importance of the subject for higher years which was one of my motivations to them. For myself, my motivation always is intrinsic in nature maybe because of my maturity level and the experiences I already have. But then, it is not permanent as change can be there in a moment. What is important now for me, is to finish a goal successfully even without external interventions.

“Success is what you attract by the person you become”     Jim Rohn

Reflections on Module 2: Learning Style

1. Administer to yourself (and some friends, if you wish) one or more of the learning style inventories available online, some of which are listed below.

• Multiple intelligence. Access this link to find out what areas of the 9 multiple intelligence do you excel. http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/mi/index.html
• The learning styles inventory provides you with a guide to your own personal learning styles. By asking a series of questions and then scoring the results, it will illustrate your dominant and secondary learning styles.  Explore this http://www.learning-styles-online.com/inventory/

1. When you have identified your learning style, draw up specific plans that will help you learn more effectively in this course and elsewhere.

By knowing which of the nine multiple intelligences I excel, I should focus on improving  the rest. I should indulge in activities that might enhance those that are low. My multiple intelligence goes with this flow:

1. Logical-mathematical
2. Verbal-linguistic
3. Bodily-Kinesthetic
4. Visual-Spatial
5. Interpersonal
6. Intrapersonal
7. Musical
8. Naturalistic
9. Existential

In teaching, I can apply the so called “active learning” by engaging the students to interact during discussion. I can also incorporate styles which are collaborative in nature by engaging the students to group activities like giving projects and research works. I will also adapt textbook reading with open forum or dialogue with the student after and reflection, demonstration teaching in science classroom, technology based learning and an inquiry-based learning.

Module 2: My Notes: A Summary

Module 2 NOTES

This is my personal notes about Module 2, Learning Styles Theories. After reading the module, I found myself to be following certain learning style and teaching style by Kolb’s model, Carl Jung model, Dunn and Dunn model and Multiple Intelligence theory. You can use this also as a guide or reference.

Module 1: Learning Views and Reflections

• About learning most effectively. In my past job, which is teaching in a university, the administration encouraged us to develop professionally by enrolling in post-graduate studies, attending seminar/training/fora, engaging in research and extension and improving our teaching style ad strategies. These things offer us an opportunity to learn most effectively. In the case that some people learn better than I or the other way around, this has something to do with how our mind understand the topic which is followed by the behavior we show when studying and the maturity level we have. Others easily learn concepts because of many factors like psychological, biological and physical. Learning depends on metacognition, self-regulation and behavior. If we want to learn, we should evaluate ourselves if were able to apply the knowledge we acquire.
• About a successful learner. We study differently; we have various levels of understanding, which equates to one being successful in his learning while others are not. A person is successful in his learning because he was able to apply it in his chosen career. If he is a chemistry graduate, he became successful in his job as a chemist because he was able to use the knowledge and the skill he acquired while he was in school. He became contributor of the society because of what he learned.
• About Learning and Academic Achievement:.Learning is about change based from experience and the behavior showed towards it. Achievement is getting the pride and honor because you got the highest grade among others. Some would have no achievement but was able to put what they had learned from school in real life situations. Academic achievement is just acknowledging someone on how he manages to be on top and not merely looking on the skill and experiences he learn. Learning may result to academic achievement and sometime may not.
• About teaching. “I teach. I share. I transmit. I learn.” Teaching is loving a mentor for what opportunities he gives to students. Teaching is like being a mother who show love and care but more on what behavior you instill to them through your own style and strategy. Teaching is a role we should not deny because we mold and help the student to become effective member of the society. Thus, teaching is also learning.
• About kind of teacher.I want to be the kind of teacher who is always updated about the subject I teach by getting into advance studies and attending trainings/seminar. I want to be the one who will help the student experience everything possible about the subject within that period of time. A teacher who is passionate, understanding, and approachable and has a sense of responsibility and creativity. I want to be a role model to them and teach them religiously with all the information I have and help them understand each and every concept by being patient and hardworking for them. With my strengths such us being hardworking, passionate, understanding, and conscientious, I want to further develop all these and also see for myself if there is still need to be change or enhance. My weaknesses which are being easily distracted and lack of proper time management. , I think I should look into these and overcome them if possible. Teaching is experience, teaching is sharing, teaching improves my personal being and teaching is mentoring.

Module 0: Promise to Myself

1. How has some understanding about metacognition and self-regulation helped me plan ahead for this course (and perhaps other courses)?
2. What, related to this new understanding, can I promise myself in terms of specific actions (and goals) for the near future?

Metacognition and self regulation helped me understand who I am as a student. This module gave me the opportunity to open my eyes that in learning, it is not enough that you attain the knowledge but more importantly is how the experience change your behavior toward acquiring the knowledge. So by this, I need to plan how is my study habit in the PTC courses and how to be successful in it. I need to consider the two elements as this would enhance my strategies in studying.

I already had prepared my working notes, I do the activities one at a time or even do others ahead of time, so not to cram. I have set my schedule for: 1) reading and internalizing concepts; 2) answering the discussion topics posted; 3) replying to posts;  4) writing my e-journal. I start studying after lunch, read the module first, take some break, then at night I do part 2 to 4.

I promise to follow this guide so I can be productive and not to waste time and effort. Distractions are always there but I need to adhere to my schedule so not to be left behind while enrolled in PTC.

Notes on Time Management

My personal guide on good time management is presented here (http://www.studygs.net/timman.htm). In my present condition, I really need to plan my actions and goals so that I cannot compromise my other responsibilities aside from being a student of PTC.

Post assessment reflection on Time Management and Self Regulation

The two tests (SRQ and Time Management) revealed a surprising positive  result about me. In time management, I scored 51 which is indicative of me being effective in managing my time. Further results suggest that I should concentrate making change on managing interruptions and procrastination where I got low scores. In the SRQ, the result gave me a high (intact) self regulation capacity. 

These two tests are very interesting as this gave me an idea on how well I know myself when it comes to time management and regulation in learning. Relating it to my personal experiences, distractions are my best enemies everytime I started doing tasks. And so I had to make some adjustments on my schedule because if not this would mean poor quality of what I am doing.  I consider some strategies because I do not want failure and I am conscious of what others say about my work. With this, I know I should have set goals, know my priorities, make a schedule, and have motivation but I know these aren’t just the missing pieces in the puzzle. I need more strategies that could make me confident that what I am doing has meaning and value. I came across into this article which could be my guide towards being successful in this learning journey aside from the readings and modules provided here (http://www.studygs.net/timman.htm). It has a lists on how to be effective in time management as a strategy in learning. But Dr. Stephen Chew in the video of metacognition emphasized that time and hardwork do not guarantee success. By this he means more strategies and not only one to become successful learner.

In self regulation by Barry Zimmerman we need to sustain our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions to successfully attain our set goals. To be self regulated learner, you must have knowledge (about yourself, subject, task, strategies for learning, and how to apply learning), motivation, and  limit/avoid distractions (jpkc.snnu.edu.cn/jyxlxsy/Lessons/ppt/lecture%207.ppt‎). Time management is very important in self regulation. Why? Because you can’t be self regulated if you don’t know how to use your time effectively while studying. To do this, you must know your goals, your priorities and how you give time for every part of what you are studying. When you give time, you must work on most important and what needs to be done. By this, your self regulation is being effective. An effective self regulated learner has the skill and the will to learn and time management is one important element.

This self knowledge had led me to wider view of who I am as a student and a worker. I became more aggressive of my studies in PTC because I am armed with good weapons, and those are appropriate time management strategies, good self regulation behavior, and accurate metacognition. I know where to go, and so I must plan what should be done and how will I do it.  This is just the start towards my goal to learn and to become successful.

Reflection on Module 0. Cognitive Tools for Academic Success

1. Which of these beliefs characterize your views about knowledge acquisition?
2. Identify 3 ways by which you can modify your approach to learning to improve your academic success or enhance your achievements?.

Being an effective learner means you successfully acquired the knowledge you need and applied it in your endeavors. But what it really needs to be an effective learner? The idea of good metacognition goes with the strategies you employ while studying and self regulation determines the kind of learner you are. But are these strategies good enough to satisfy your goals? For me, knowledge is acquired through “learning by doing”, “learning with deep understanding” and “learning with good self-regulation”. However, these things require attitudes such as good time management, initiative, motivation, focus and commitment. These beliefs rules out the negative idea that “I am not good at the subject therefore I am not learning”. I came to a point in my life that I even gave up reading/reviewing something for my subject, but with good strategies, I was able to develop confidence that I can pass the subject.

The three mentioned above are the  ways that I can do to modify my approach in learning. Considering the many strategies presented by Dr. Chew can help me a lot in improving my way of learning. One good example is my attitude about multi-tasking  and shallow processing while doing my readings but I realized these weren’t effective for me now. In distance education, I need to control myself over this and set a schedule for my study as this is at my own pace. I need to consider accurate metacognition and good self regulation so I can meet my goals.

Learning depends on your attitude towards it.  Attitude does matter in learning. It is about what you will plan and do, and what you think if you want to really acquire knowledge and effectively apply it in your endeavors. 

Karen

Forester

Researcher,

Environmentalist

Teacher,

Mother with one child,

God fearing

Workaholic

Hardworking

Amiable

Honest,

Responsible

Its what they say. This is me.

Karen Feranil Rabena

About the Student

I am Karen Rabena, born on February 26, 1983 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. I am the only girl in the family. I graduated with a degree in Forestry in UP Los Banos. What is interesting about me is I do want adventure and research however I also wanted to become a teacher. I obtained my MS in Teaching Chemistry to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. And now I continue to engage in teaching but wanted to have the license and so I enrolled in PTC. After this, I will take my flight for LET while continuing my PhD in Science Education. I have a son who is still on its 8th month and working as instructor and research coordinator in Ilocos Sur Community College run by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur. I have presented research papers in international, national, regional and local levels. I dream of becoming a successful researcher someday.