Motivational Reasons for Failure in School Essay Example

Motivational Reasons for Failure in School Essay In August of 2009 two boys began their school year at public schools in Southeastern Idaho. Both boys had been raised in similar settings of a two parent home, average income, and raised in a demographically rural community. These boys have had equal opportunities in the educational system of supportive parents and teachers and after school programs. Intellectually both boys have the ability to succeed in school. This tale of two Southeastern Idaho boys, and of millions of children just like them, raises the question of why some students educationally excel and others do not. If both boys in this scenario have the same opportunities, the same environmental settings, and the same level of intelligence then why will one excel and the other not? Research has shown that motivation reasons, such as fear of failure, incuriosity, and lack of ambition, can cause low classroom achievement. Have you ever been so afraid of failing at something that you decided not to try it at all? Or has fear of failure meant that, subconsciously, you undermined your own efforts to avoid the possibility of a larger failure. Many of us have probably experienced this at one time or another. The fear of failure can immobilize – it can cause us to do nothing, and therefore resist moving forward. But when we allow fear to stop our forward progress in life, we are likely to miss great opportunities along the way. According to the Reiss Motivational Profile, fear of failure in the number one reason for low achievement in school. Students that display this fear of failure often feel that failure hurts less if they don’t try to succeed. We will write a custom essay sample on Motivational Reasons for Failure in School specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Motivational Reasons for Failure in School specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Motivational Reasons for Failure in School specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Signs that a student may have a fear of failure are a reluctance to try new things or get involved in challenging projects, procrastination, and low self-esteem or self-confidence. We have defined the emotion and identified the symptoms, now how can we help overcome. Students with fear of failure may be at their best when parents and teachers stand behind them and encourage them. Positive encouraging words and actions are observed and taken in. Students will respond if the classroom atmosphere is uplifting and rewarding. Students should be made aware that in everything they do, there’s always a chance that they will fail. Facing that chance, and embracing it, is not only courageous, but it gives them a fuller, more rewarding life. According to Steven Reiss incuriosity scored as the second motivational reason why students have low achievement is school. In the Merriam-Webster dictionary incuriosity is define as lacking a normal or usual curiosity: uninterested. Students in school seem to regulate how much thinking they do. Some need to think a lot, these students need many interests to satisfy their high need for intellect. Others aim to think very little. It is not just one or two topics they hate thinking about, they just dont like to think for any length of time. At least, that is what they say and how they behave. These school children need many practical activities to gratify their need to minimize thinking. They hate school because it makes them do something [think] they dont want to do for longer than a few minutes at a time. Teachers need a general sense of how long each individual student needs to think versus how long he/she needs to rest from thinking. Incurious pupils enjoy thinking for below-average periods of time and need long periods of rest. Teachers should break down the material into small bites and to give emphasis to the practical application of the curriculum. Lack of ambition was rated number three for motivational reason why students have low achievement in school. Lack of ambition is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as absence of the desire to strive toward achievement. For students in school, it manifests as an inability to consistently take action toward goals – or even the inability to create goals in the first place! Without accepting full responsibility for the direction of their life, students will not be able to commit to a plan of action, and will ultimately remain sitting on the fence. These students find it easy to blame people and situations for their failure to move forward in life. Students can be motivated differently for a variety of reasons, from age to culture to special needs. Teachers will need to incorporate various scenarios. Some motivations might work better than another or a combination of the two is a better approach. Individual students respond differently, some may respond to tangible rewards, stickers, and praise. Motivation for others will be a sense of accomplishment, responsibility, and pride. The tale of the two junior high boys in Southeast Idaho illustrates the role that fear of failure, incuriosity, and lack of ambition plays in low achievement at school. Both boys had equal opportunities educationally and environmentally. Their internal self shaped the outcome of their achievement. Teachers can encourage and inspire our children to overcome these setbacks of fear, incuriosity, and lack of ambition. Success can be a

The life of robert frost essays

The life of robert frost essays Born March 26, 1874 in a small apartment located in San Francisco, Robert Frost, one of Americas leading 20th century poets, was born. Robert Frost was the first born son to William Prescott Forest and Belle Isabelle Frost. Robert Frosts home life had much influence on his life and his writings. William Prescott Forest was a rebellious teen who ran away to serve under the leadership of Robert E. Lee, his hero whom he named his son after. His personality was disliked by many but he gained the respect he always wanted. Despite his parents and many other peoples doubts of him, he was accepted at Harvard and lived the college life - gambling and drinking but managed to graduate with honors in 1872. His goal was to enter politics, but after doing some journalism his senior year, doing literary work attracted him. He hated New England and aspired to someday move to the West coast following in the adventurous footsteps of Mark Twain, Bret Harte, and Ambrose Bierce - each of whom found San Francisco a good place for a young man with literary ambitions. In order to raise money to make the transcontinental journey, he took a job as principle of Lewiston Academy with the intentions of quitting after one year. He was described in the yearbook as dashing and energetic. In the fall he m et a young teacher (the only other teacher at the small private school) who was to teach him stenography - a skill he rightly guessed would come in handy when he turned his hand to journalism. Isabelle Moodie, a woman with a slight Scottish accent, gladly accepted this task not knowing what lay ahead. Isabelle Moodies father, Thomas Moodie, drowned at sea when she was eight years old and at age eleven her mother, Mary Moodie, shipped her off to live with a wealthy aunt and uncle in Ohio. Obvious differences between Isabelle and Will got in the way of their courtship. She was a rel...

Remembering an event Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Remembering an event - Essay Example It is hard for me to decide which one to bring down in pen and paper. But, I have chosen to write about a day which started in perplexity and ended at giving such confidence that became a treasure for me for the rest of my life. The day I am talking about was when my graduation ceremony was held, and I was the MC of the ceremony. I was graduating from my high school in the April, 2009. The excitement was mounting since the exams were over and everybody including teachers and students were preparing for the graduation ceremony. Teachers were arranging different shows, and the students were clearing off any dues left with the university. The farewell feeling was in the air. Everybody was talking about parting. One day, my professor called upon me and gave me some papers. I looked down at them wondering what they could be. To my surprise, he told me that they were the script I was chosen to speak at the graduation ceremony. I felt my head spinning. I am sure my mouth was open with surpr ise. I told him that I had never been an MC at any ceremony in my life. And he told me that he knew that I had guts enough to be an MC and that I should not miss that wonderful opportunity. I accepted the script with reluctance but I remember my professor’s words. ... I spoke out the lines if front of my family and friends. People told me that I was good enough. But I was not sure. Every day I would stand in front of the mirror and rehearse. And then, the big day came. The ceremony was being held in the Sheraton Hotel Dubai and it was to start at 7pm. I rushed toward the place one hour ahead of time. I was scared of being late. I reached the backstage for a last rehearsal. The ceremony started and I was required to step onto the stage to say the opening lines. I felt as my feet had got numbed and I thought I was not able to move. But, I gathered courage and somehow managed to step onto the stage in front of the audience. I wanted to hear my voice which seemed to have gotten stuck in my throat. There was silence. The audience was waiting for me to speak. I looked at the audience and then at my paper, and started speaking. I was astonished at my pitch of voice and the confidence with which the words were coming out of my mouth. I had never spoken th at way, so boldly and so courageously. I welcomed the guests and started the ceremony, telling the audience which show was ahead and who would come on stage. The starting was difficult, and then everything seemed to be happening automatically. I did not know, it was going to be that easy. I looked toward where my professor was sitting. His eyes were sparkling with pride. He waived at me with a smile and I felt flying in the air with joy. The ceremony ended as it was supposed to be. Everything went fine, and I was a graduate now. Whenever, my mind flashes back and the memories of that day come rejoicing me with their flavor, my eyes get wet with tears remembering how my professor’s words had come true. I am sure that I ended up learning that confidence is the key to success

Starwood Project Part Three Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Starwood Project Part Three - Research Paper Example What this means is that if the steward falters in ensuring that such roles are performed to their logical perfection, the facility will be affected severely because customers will not be pleased. As with all profit based organizations, once the customer is not pleased, the resulting circumstance is that profits will begin to decline (Schein, 2002). Another critical aspect of stewarding as applies to the present case of Phoenician Resort is the fact that the processes undertaken by the steward go a long way to determine the speed of work at the facility. Once speed is directly related to the amount of work that can be done within a given timeframe, it could also be said that the processes and the speed for that matter affects the efficiency of the whole facility (Barney, 2001). To sum it all, the present process analysis would therefore look at ways of making the work of the steward more effective and efficient. A flowchart illustrating the new process The benefits that the POI progra m can bring to Starwood As outlined in the overview, a consideration of the whole processes that take place at Phoenician Resort presently would directly impact on the efficiency and effectiveness at the facility. Luckily, the adjustment of the present process into a new model is directly incorporated into the roles of the POI. What this means is that the PI program brings to Starwood as a parent company, an efficient and effective workforce that is led by the stewards. Interestingly, both effectiveness and efficiency have some rates of affecting the productivity that is recorded at the workplace positively (Al-Ghorfa, 2009). For instance if the processes are adjusted such that the steward can perform his roles more effectively by delivering high quality tasks, more and more customers are going to be pleased and would consider this as excellent customer service. Hitherto, those whose commitment levels were low in terms of doing business with the company would have their decisions re scinded because they are going to have reasons for assured quality of service. On the part of efficiency, it would be expected that as more customers become pleased with the quality of service and they demand for more service, the factor of efficiency would be there to match up the demand. At the end, there will be as much supply as demand from customers would pose and this would be a very positive factor for improving productivity. In all, the POI program would benefit Starwood because it would ensure and increase quality, which would subsequently increase patronage and then productivity, which would also increase revenue for the company. Extending Benefits to other processes and properties within the Starwood system Indeed, the workforce at Starwood that makes up the Starwood system is interrelated and coordinated. In such a situation, the shortfalls and strengths of one sector affect what happens in most other sectors (Barney, 2001). Given the case of the benefits that the POI wo uld have on the processes of the stewards, it can boldly be said that indeed, these benefits can be extended to other processes and properties within the Starwood system. The reason why this is so, is that Phoenician Resort represents Starwood as a larger corporate image. Subsequently, the proposed benefits of efficiency and effectiveness, which would be translated into productivity and revenue, would

How Schools and Services Support and Protect Children and Families Essay

How Schools and Services Support and Protect Children and Families - Essay Example The epidemic proportions of the incidents of child abuse and neglect are very alarming and call for instant action on the part of government, schools and private institutions. As the rate and the extent of these problems increase, there is also a need for a more unified response on the part of the school, government and other social service providers. The social services along with schools can aid in providing the necessary guidance, support, and direction to the children and their parents. The primary functions of the schools to soundly educate are the best protection a child can get. However, in today’s world, the social and physical problems of the children have grown so large and complex that it is rather foolish to focus on just the academic needs of the children. The problem of physical violence and crime is becoming a commonplace issue in schools. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that the number of robbery or violent crime incidents on or near school grounds is 3 million per school year (Hatkoff 1994). The fact that an increasing number of children are fearful and cautious about taking a trip to and from school and tend to avoid particular places at school out of fear of an attack. The issue of violence and assault in schools is extremely complex and the concern over its consequences is increasing as it has long-lasting physical and emotional consequences. The government authorities are realizing this and initiating program and directing funds to local school districts for the purpose of making schools safer. There are many programs which are being initiated at schools to help students recognize that bullying is wrong and a cowardly act by people with low self esteem. Children who are known to be affected by domestic abuse or substance misuse are supported effectively at schools. The value of this service is unparalleled as it manages the children’s behavior and supports their development. A study issued by The Department of Education reflects the role of the school in helping the student to build healthy relationships inside and outside the school. The study recommends involving the parents and community to collaborate and aid in building disciplined, safe and healthy relationship of the students with the outside world (U.S. Department of Education, 1993). The teacher having influence and authority over the students can be helpful in creating a safe environment, free of any kind of physical abuse or violence.Teens, Crime and the Community (TCC) is one interactive program that incorporates the students in execution at all the stages of the program. It is launched by the National Crime Prevention Council and it has an aim to educate young people about crime, delinquency and involves them in projects which help them to make their schools and communities safer (National Crime Prevention Council, 1993). This program has been successfully implemented in more than 500 US sch ools in 40 states, involving more than 400,000 youths.

Political Disenchantment As The Greatest Threat Politics Essay

Political Disenchantment As The Greatest Threat Politics Essay Since the 1960s protests have become a normal part of politics in democracies. Does this threaten the stability of a democracy. So dissent occurs in democracies when there is a challenge to the legitimacy of the state or social system, or to dominant beliefs and values. The reason for political disenchantment is that citizens are also offered very little in terms of understanding the issues at stake by organisations or campaigners who treat the citizens as political observers when parties lose membership. But there are many more reasons as to why Political disenchantment seems to be on the rise. As constantly with the media there has been a dumb down in the news coverage so citizens have become less likely to understand underlying issues in respect of politics. Politics can be seen to fail when what it delivers is judged on a framework. The media feeds a culture where fact opinion and speculation, merge into one with a cynical view on politics. But the problem with this is that it disengages people and states that in the end selfishness will triumph. People therefore So when the media reflect on events that have taken place in the political arena it connects with political disenchantment as politicians are always the subject of the news for somethin g that they have done wrong. For example lying, yes politicians do lie sometimes but it generally rests upon to points; that being firstly we all lie some of the time and secondly there are many halfway houses that politicians may have to occupy uncomfortably to meet our expectations. A further example would be that people are very sensitive about the increasing rise in corruption and through corruption the reputations of politicians and political systems have been damaged. The real problem with politics even in democracies is that it is destined to disappoint, as it is a tough process of squeezing collective decisions out of multiple and competing interests and opinions. Populists see themselves as true democrats who defend the neglected interests of the people Gerry Stokers (stoker 2006) criticism of populists is that it fails to see the complexities of politics as changing the world as to how you want it, is a matter of capturing the will of the people. It should deliver what the people want, if it does not then it is down to corrupt politicians, the influence of do-gooders or big businesses. Additionally looking at globalisation and technological challenges to politicians in the 21st century, citizens have a sense of doubt that politics will be unable to deal with big issues effectively as people are more concerned with the planet and human species. Stoker insists that most people believe that their government does not act according to their wishes, this being because many people living in democracies are alienated from politics and feel that it does not work properly, so the types of people that the public would like to see with more power include intellectuals (writers and academics) and religious leaders. When it comes to politics most people are amateurs they have no intention about making it a career, as so Stoker further believes that people should be more reflective in their approach to politics and become more challenging included amateurs. Opportunities need to be more expanded for citizens to have a say about the issues they care about. People want a politics where they can say what is important to them, as having a say means wanting to influence. Not decide. But people tend to judge political decisions according to their own interests and circumstances , as people tend to assume that most other people agree with them. it would be false to say that a democracy without dissenters is a failed democracy, as if you have no one to disagree with you everyone would remain happy, no argument, no debates and it could only improve the world in which we live today, as people would be changing and making better laws, decisions not just made to help a single person but to benefit everyone. The statement is true as if this were to happen then it would not really be a democracy, as democracy is about trying to compromise and reach an agreement and so without dissenters you dont really have a democracy. Without dissent new laws cannot be set up as it really doesnt give any meaning. You are unable to limit the power of freedom of speech. Democracy is about equality so everyone has a right to vote, so without dissenters, the lower minorities could not get their views across, no line on opinions but a line in which they are expressed. When examining if it is terrorism that is the greatest threat to western democracies, some people see violence as a part of politics, others see it as when politics breaks down. Macintyre (Macintyre 1971) believes there are many reasons for people to use violence on political ends. On the other hand Honderich (Honderich 1986: 20) sees political violence or terror as a considerable destructive use of force against person or things a use of force prohibited by law directed to a change in the policies system. Terrorism is not a political ideology, but targets specific enemies as well as the innocent. E.g. Nazi Germany and the USSR rule under Stalin. Targets of terror could not defend themselves in law or by changing their behaviour. This can be seen in Italy under Mussolini as it was a repressive regime not a terror one because the legal system remained intact this can be seen with the amount of prosecutions (5,619) and the amount that were found guilty (998) as well as only 47 people being killed between 1921-1943. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union it has brought about greater uncertainty and diversity, as to what new type of ideologies are being formed. So when George Bush declared war on terrorism in the aftermath of 9/11 it fell in line with cold war imagery of the fight against communism, but terrorism or political terrorism is like no other isms. The crucial idea behind terrorism relates to the justification for the use of terror as a strategy, using violence to endanger and cause fear for those political ends. Terrorist groups and regimes are associated exclusively with either left-wing or right-wing thinking. Looking at the IRA it could be argued that the Brighton bomb was a political violent act according to O`Kane (OKane 2007: 27-48). But there were many attacks that were terrorist e.g. Dublin unless you can accept the warnings that were first. These warnings were for their supporters in order to let them know that they were trying to minimize their casualties. Hoffman and Graham state that you cannot be a terrorist if you are oppressing a repressive regime (Hoffman Graham 2009: 455). In conclusion disenchantment is the greatest threat to a democracy. Therefore if disenchantment was to occur in many or all western democracies citizens would leave the government to itself without taking any concern until an issue arises that affects them, (in a bad way) there will be revolt until something is done where these revolters are listened to and citizens could take to the form of political violence which in turn could lead to terror. So disenchantment does matter as it affects democracy, because democracy is a way of demanding through politics that all citizens have a right in what affects them, and so it is a guide as to how we should take collective decisions in society. This in turn should deliver what the people want as it is a way for people to get their voices heard. People like the idea of a democracy as it is the closest thing to self rule. But if terrorism was to take a massive boost in its members it would certainly be a great threat towards western democracies as terrorism targets both the guilty and the innocent, therefore not producing fear from intimidation but fear that comes from the unknown where there is no means of control.

Word Processing, Database and Spreadsheet as Applications of Productivi

Word Processing, Database and Spreadsheet as Applications of Productivity Software Throughout the course of a person’s life, he or she will probably use a computer, which maybe for school, work, or personal reasons. These tasks could become tedious and long. But, there is certain software that has been developed to ease the difficulties of getting these things done. Productivity software can help to make people’s activities more effective as well as efficient. Three widely used applications are word processing, database, and spreadsheet. Word processing is a popular application that is used for creating, editing, and formatting text-based documents. These documents include letters, memos, reports, fax cover sheets, mailing labels, newsletters, and many others. All of the things can be formatted by changing fonts and font size, changing the colors of characters, and organizing text. Many other functions are applied by word processing. Changing margins, adding and deleting text, adding clip art and pictures, finding and replacing text, using headers and f...