Motivation

1. Summarize the movie you selected to watch and discuss ways in which the teacher
   motivated his/her students. Using Chapter 8 of our text, describe the motivational
   theory employed for each of the strategies you listed.

The movie “Lean on Me” is about a teacher who is motivating his students just before
they sit for their final exam. He tells the students that the people out there think lowly about
them, and the chances they have of passing the exam. He says that the people out there think that
the students are failures, education has been wasted on them, and they have lost. The teacher
states that all his students are the same regardless of their skin color. He goes head to affirm the
students. He tells them that they are not inferior, and can change the course of their lives within
one hour when doing the test. he urges the students to concentrate, and show the world what they
are about and their spirit will not die (Martin, 2007).

The teacher motivates the students by praising their abilities and showing them that they
have to prove their abilities to the world. The teacher arouses the student’s emotions and
fundamentally urge them to excel so that they can become actualized and worthwhile people.
The teacher also encourages the students by showing them that they were capable and could
work to prove to the world that they were capable of.

2. How did satisfying Maslow’s hierarchy of needs impact student learning in your
   selected movie?

The satisfaction of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs has a direct impact on student learning.
The teacher managed to motivate the students to be at their best while taking the test.
specifically, he tapped into the self-esteem aspect of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (LeFrançois,
2018). He talked about competence, approval, and recognition. He asserted that the students
were competent and well prepared to take the test. he tells the students that in exactly one hour,
they can take the test, and win because they have what it takes to prove to the world that they are
not failures. He speaks words of approval. He tells the students, “you are not inferior; you are
great” (Martin, 2007). Further, he asserts that the school’s spirit will not die because together,
the students will shine. Such words brighten the faces of the students. they feel recognized and
appreciated. Their self-esteem is raised, and any doubts that they had about their abilities are
erased. At the front of the hall, the words “Eastside pride cannot be denied” and “we are the
mighty ghosts” can be seen (Martin, 2007). These words also motivate the students to take the
test with pride and do exceedingly well because they are mighty, and their pride cannot be
denied.

3. How did the teacher in your selected movie display characteristics of a humanistic
   teacher?

The teacher in the video is sensitive to diversity. At one point, he asks his white students
to stand. He also mentions that all students, regardless of color are well-abled and they can prove
to the world that they have the potential to shine. He is a humanistic teacher because he respects
and tries to enhance the different perspectives of his students. He understands that his students
are different, and each can shine in their own unique ways. He centres his speech on personal
development. Specifically, he tells his students that the test is aimed at testing the quality of

education at the school, and the quality of education that the students have received (Martin,
2007).

4. Describe the ideal learning environment for you and explain how it will increase your
   motivation and ability to learn. What obstacles would hinder the creation of your ideal
   learning environment?
   An ideal learning environment for me is one that supports a learning culture while
   addressing learner’s needs. Such an environment will motivate me and enhance my ability to
   learn as it fosters a feeling of connectedness. An environment that meets my individual learning
   needs arouses my interest in learning. I am encouraged to participate as I find such an
   environment engaging. I am a collaborative learner and I like a supportive learning culture where
   I feel that I am in a safe and secure environment where my needs are well catered. Such an
   environment encourages me to express my opinions and ideas. I also feel safe to ask questions
   because I know that my needs will be adequately met. The creation of an ideal learning
   environment fosters learning, but one encounters some hindrances. It is sometimes challenging to
   find ways to avoid confrontations during classroom management, while still ensuring that clear
   boundaries and structures are maintained. Also, a teacher has a role in creating an ideal learning
   environment, but the challenge is that not all students will fit in such conditions. Balancing and
   coming up with an environment where all students fit can be a challenge especially where the
   classroom is highly diverse or inclusive. Further, the definition of an ideal is subjective to every
   learner. What is ideal for one learner may not be ideal to another. Thus, it is not easy creating an
   ideal environment where students will fit and have their learning needs met.

References

LeFrançois, G. R. (2018). Psychology for teaching (2nd ed.). Retrieved from
https://content.ashford.edu
Martin, B. (2007). Lean on Me Inspirational Speech. Retrieved 3 February 2020, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWW4KogocfQ