Combining Technology with the 6 C's of Motivation Maureen Connolly MSMC ED 5670

What is motivation? Internal & external factors Stimulate desire & energy in people to work toward a goal Teachers work to motivate students to: increased participation effort higher grades

“Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” - St. Francis of Assisi Can you list any of the 6 C’s of motivation?

The 6 C’s of Motivation Choice Challenge Control Collaboration Construct Meaning Consequence

Choice Provide explicit choices that appeal to their interests The choices must be relevant to the students Feeling Value Promotes intrinsic motivation Limit choices to prevent anxiety

Challenge Place expectations just beyond the student’s skill level Flow Theory Task is too difficult = frustration & anxiety Task is too easy = boredom Let students give feedback on the level of difficulty Goals can enhance students’ self-efficacy & sustain motivation toward learning

Control Involve students in: Decision making Organizing content Choosing teams/partners Makes students More responsible More independent More self-regulated learners

Collaboration Encouraging students to share ideas enhances thinking & learning Provides inspiration to reach a desired goal Must teach them how to work together Best to reward group performance

Constructing Meaning Find value in the task Set meaningful goals Group conferences to discuss the importance of the work Demonstrations of the skill in life outside of the classroom

Consequences Make the students feel appreciated Notice students Praise students Display student work Publish student work Create a performance for others

The 7th C: Connecting to Technology Keeps students attention Interactive Concepts become visual Taps into visual learning styles Allow for authentic & challenging tasks

Activity Pick one of the original 6 C’s and describe an activity that you could do in your classroom to motivate students to met the C you choose.

Any questions or comments? Any questions or comments?

References McKinney, K. (2008). Encouraging Students’ Intrinsic Motivation. Retrieved April 28, 2009, from http://www.cat.ilstu.edu/additional/tips/intMotiv.php Quinn, Q. (2007). Technology and Motivation: Can Computers Motivate Students to Read? Retrieved April 28, 2009, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2007_April_13/ai_n19001667/ Wang, S. & Han, S. (2001). Six C's of Motivation. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved April 28, 2009, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/