Question

Mr. Ray is a middle school math teacher who wants to help his students learn achievement motivation so they can reach the long-term goal of doing well on the state math tests. Mr. Ray helps the students develop achievement motivation through all of the following ways EXCEPT a. helping them develop grit b. showing them their hard work leads to success c. training them to wait for delayed gratification d. making sure they have a need to belong

Short answer

The method Mr. Ray is not using to develop achievement motivation is 'making sure they have a need to belong'. Hence, the correct answer is option (d).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the concept

First, understand what achievement motivation means. It is the drive or willingness to complete a task or meet a goal, often in academic or job-related activities. Some of its main principles include infusing a sense of grit, understanding that hard work leads to success, and the ability to wait for delayed gratification.

Analyze each answer choice

Now, closely look at each of the given options: Option (a) speaks about developing grit, which essentially encourages persistence and resilience in face of difficulties. This feeds into achievement motivation. Option (b) emphasizes the cause-effect relationship between hard work and success, teaching students that their effort will pay off in the end. Again, this aligns with principles of achievement motivation. Option (c) mentions training students to wait for delayed gratification. This is an essential part of achievement motivation as it encourages patience and perseverance. Lastly, option (d) points at ensuring students have a sense of belonging. While the need to belong is a crucial part of overall student motivation, it is not directly related to the pursuit of academic achievements or goals. It’s more related to social motivation.

Choose the correct answer

After having thoroughly analyzed the given choices, one can conclude that the correct answer is option (d). While belongingness is important, it is not a critical aspect of achievement motivation.

Key concepts

Grit

Grit is a powerful quality that involves passion and perseverance towards achieving long-term goals. When students display grit, they remain determined even when faced with difficulties and challenges. This persistence is crucial to achievement motivation because it helps students focus on their goals and push through obstacles.

Developing grit often requires encouraging a growth mindset, where students believe they can improve with effort. Teachers can help by praising effort over innate ability, teaching students that failure is a stepping stone to success.

• Encourages persistence and resilience.
• Focuses on long-term goal achievement.
• Important for overcoming challenges.

Delayed Gratification

Delayed gratification is the ability to resist the temptation for an immediate reward in favor of a bigger reward later. This skill is essential for success in both academic and personal goals as it involves self-control and foresight.

Children who learn delayed gratification tend to perform better academically because they can focus on long-term achievements rather than immediate rewards. Once students understand this concept, they are better equipped to manage their time and prioritize tasks.

Training for delayed gratification can include setting small, achievable goals that build up to larger objectives, helping students see the value in waiting.

• Builds self-control and foresight.
• Leads to better time management.
• Improves academic performance.

Hard Work and Success

Understanding the link between hard work and success is a fundamental aspect of achievement motivation. This principle teaches that effort and dedication can lead to positive outcomes. When students recognize this connection, they are more likely to put in the hard work necessary to achieve their goals.

By highlighting real-life examples and creating opportunities for students to see their efforts pay off, teachers can foster a strong work ethic. Experiencing success through their own efforts reinforces the importance of hard work.

• Connects effort with positive outcomes.
• Encourages a strong work ethic.
• Demonstrates that persistence pays off.

Need to Belong

The need to belong is a fundamental human motivation that involves forming and maintaining meaningful relationships. Although this is a powerful part of general motivation, it is not solely focused on achievement in tasks or goals.

Feeling like part of a group can certainly influence motivation positively. It can increase confidence and provide emotional support, which indirectly aids in achieving academic goals. However, the need to belong more closely aligns with social motivation than with strictly achievement motivation.

• Focuses on social connections and support.
• Increases confidence through group inclusion.
• Indirectly supports academic goals.