Developing Possible Selves and Enhancing Student Motivation Michael

Developing Possible Selves and Enhancing Student Motivation Michael F. Hock, Ph. D. 2006 The University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning Lawrence, Kansas

Advance Organizer • • Introduction & Purpose The Challenge A “Possible Selves” Solution Planning for Implementation 2 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

The Challenge • Is student motivation a factor in student achievement? • What are the student motivational issues that teachers face? • What are the parameters we must operate under next fall? 3 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

“Give me a fish, and I eat for a day. Teach me to fish, and I eat for a lifetime. ” —Chinese Proverb 4 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

“I don’t know how to fish, and I don’t care to learn. I don’t even like fish. So don’t bother me!” —“Non-Motivated” Student 5 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Unmotivated? ? 6 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Unmotivated? ? “Students are not unmotivated. However, they may not be motivated to do what we want them to do. ” — Richard Lavoie 7 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Unmotivated? ? “Students are not unmotivated. However, they may not be motivated to do what we want them to do. ” —Richard Lavoie • Students are motivated when they: – have a goal they believe is achievable – have the desire (reasonable effort) to attain the goal – have a plan in place to attain the goal 8 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Hope “Successful people have high HOPE. Hope can be nurtured. ” —Rick Snyder The Psychology of Hope HOPE results from having willpower (desire) and waypower (a plan) for goals. 9 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

I Have a Dream Bryant Gumbel: What do you want to be when you grow up? Jamaal: A judge. Bryant: What will that take? Jamaal: I need to first become a lawyer. Bryant: And how do you do this? Jamaal: I have to study hard now; then finish high school with good grades, then I will go to Grinnell, and then to a good law school. *Grinnell College as reported on the Today Show, November 14, 1990, cited in Borkowski, et al. 1992. 10 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Research Results 11 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

A Possible Selves Solution • Possible Selves are ideas about what one might become in the future (Markus & Nurris, 1986) • One’s vision of the future is motivating • Future vision includes: – Hoped for selves – Expected selves – Feared selves 12 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Possible Selves Components “First is the Dream” Planning How do I get there? Working How am I doing? Reflecting What can I be? Thinking Sketching What am I like? Who am I? Discovering What are my interests? 13 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Lesson 1: Introduction Why Study Possible Selves? • • Fear of the future vignette I have a dream vignette Possible Selves film models & discussion Build a PS Goal Folder Success formula The Dream Catcher metaphor The Unit Organizer Dreams quote See PS Manual 14 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Lesson 2: Discovering What are my strengths and interests? • • • The Tamara model October Sky, Rudy, interests Surface student interests and skills Highlight strength area(s) collage Discuss positive experiences Manual p. 17 15 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Lesson 3: Thinking about hopes, expectations, and fears • Possible Selves vocabulary • Open-ended interview/ – Describe yourself as a …. . . – What are your hopes as a …. ? – What are your expectations …. . ? – What are your fears …. . ? • I DO WE DO YOU DO • Teacher/counselor analysis 16 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Lesson 3: Thinking • Goal: Identify current & future Possible Selves • Procedures: Complete the interview – One to one – Group/class • I do • We do • You do 17 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Lesson 3: Thinking Section 1 • Define Hope, Expectation, Fear p. 39 • Conduct the Interview – What words or phrases best describe you as an (educator)? – What do you hope to achieve as an educator? – What do you expect to achieve as an educator? – What do you fear as an educator? Activity Packet 18 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Describe Example: Educator • • Fair Organized Outcome driven Distracted by non-committed students Irritated by politics of teaching Creative Knowledgeable about pedagogy Bored with routine Your Thoughts? 19 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Lesson 3: Thinking Section 2 • Conduct the Interview – What words or phrases best describe you as a learner? – What do you hope to achieve as a learner? – What do you expect to achieve as a learner? – What do you fear as a learner? 20 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Hope Example: Educator • • • Connect in positive way with students Close the academic & social gap Make a difference—validate interventions! Maintain enthusiasm Teach all students Return focus to K-12 education Your Thoughts? 21 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Lesson 3: Thinking Section 3 • Conduct the Interview – What words or phrases best describe you as an educator? – What do you hope to achieve as an educator? – What do you expect to achieve as an educator? – What do you fear as an educator? 22 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Expectation Example: Educator • • • Continue in the field of education Develop additional instructional interventions Validate Possible Selves Expand my work with Pathways Reassess my role at KUAC Your Thoughts? 23 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Lesson 3: Thinking Section 3 • Conduct the Interview – What words or phrases best describe you as an educator? – What do you hope to achieve as an educator? – What do you expect to achieve as an educator? – What do you fear as an educator? 24 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Fears: Educator • • • Feel stuck—no options Burn out, become cynical Lose energy Just hang around waiting to retire Stuff doesn’t work! Your Thoughts? 25 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Completing the Questionnaire (optional activity) • Answer remaining questions in “person and learner” areas • Create final overhead quality documents 26 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Lesson 4: Sketching Me and My Possible Selves • Create a Possible Selves Tree • Questionnaire Highlights Form • Based on the Interview – Draw the tree trunk and 3 limbs w/labels – Draw HOPE and EXPECTATION branches/leaves – Draw the root system for the tree (DESCRIBE) – Draw the FEAR/THREATS to the tree • Stand back and evaluate 27 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Possible Selves Tree FEAR Injury Other Overhead Examples FEAR A Job I Hate 28 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006 FEAR Flunking Out Even When You Try

Lesson 5: Reflecting • Goal: to identify goals that strengthen and support growth of the “Tree” • Where are most branches, hopeful words? • Where are fewest branches, hopeful words? • Which limb needs strengthening? • List 3 goals that will help do this. • Prioritize these goals Complete pp. 49 -50 29 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Lesson 6: Growing • Goal: develop action plans • Select a goal and hope and write on form • Identify action steps that lead to goal attainment 30 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

My Action Plan The Hope The Goal My hope is to become a certified diesel technician I will graduate from Gates Technology School by May 2004. Step 5 Step 4 The Tasks Step 3 Step 2 Step 1 Determine what I need to do to get into tech school- H. S. diploma? ? 31 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006 Pass all my classes with a GPA of 2. 75 Determine what course I Attend class Put together a regularly. graduation plan. Set up tutoring with the After School Prog for math and English. Improve my basic algebra skills with a Strategic Tutor. Improve my textbook reading skills with a Strategic Tutor.

Lesson 7: Performing • Write a Mission Statement • Review/revise/update the plan – – – Mentor meetings E-mail (e. g. , My. Goals. com model) Counselors Peers Other 32 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

What Is Possible? AFTER BEFORE • I want to be a professional basketball player. • • I want to touch people’s lives. I want to be known as a hard worker and strive to be one of the best players in college basketball. • I want to be well respected and loved by my family and friends in everything I do. • I want to live a good life and support my family as well as other family members. • I want to live my life as a caring person who will always help others. • I wish to be a good father, husband, and provider. • I want to be a very caring person. • I wish to end up in heaven. 33 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Planning for Implementation • • • Target person(s)/courses Decide on format Determine logistics (time, place, staff) Think about materials Select evaluation & research data Conduct problem solving/follow-up 34 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Possible Selves • One’s vision of the future is motivating • Future vision includes: – Hoped for Possible Selves (dreams) – Expected Possible Selves (short term) – Feared Possible Selves (avoidance) 35 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Yeah! But…… (turn to your neighbor) • How do you see Possible Selves working with your students? • What barriers do you see? • What solutions can you offer? • Does Possible Selves hold promise as an effective motivational intervention? ? ? • What else do you need to launch PS? 36 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

So What! Supporting Data • University student-athletes – Counselors – Peers • • Elementary school grades 2, 3, 4 Junior high SED class Middle school whole school Middle school selected classes 37 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

What Is Possible? BEFORE • “Go go man go I can do it on my own. ” AFTER • I want to be an artist. • I want to be a nice person. • I want to be a good student. 38 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

What Is Possible? BEFORE AFTER • I want to be a basketball player. • I want to be a pro basketball player after I go to college. • I want to do dunks. • I want to use my intelligence to be a good student. • I want to be like Iverson. • I want to be a good person. 39 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

What Is Possible? BEFORE AFTER • I want to be like “Aaliyah” because she was nice and pretty and a singer. • I want to be a veterinarian and help take care of animals. • To travel and make my dreams come true like Aaliyah. • I will go to college for four years and I will use my knowledge in the workplace. 40 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Elementary School Pilot Study • Classroom culture change – Goal language – Goals tied to school activities • Implementation success • Student’s have hopes and dreams 41 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Jardine & Eisenhower Middle School Study • 52 students (10 self-contained sp ed; 21 at risk; 21 comparison) • Whole class implementation in two classrooms (IC support) • Over 1 semester (with other curriculum) 42 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Possible Selves Outcomes Mission Statement Measure • Total score • Number of roles identified • Level of education • Number of goals stated • Specificity of goal statements 43 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006 Sig. . 0001*. 0003*. 12. 0005*. 0003*

Possible Selves Outcomes • Being Known Measure Sig. . 28 • “They still don’t think teachers know them very well. ” • WHY? ? ? 44 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Teens and Self-Image: Survey Results Question 8. How much influence does each of the following have on your life? A Lot or Some None Parents 96% 4% Teacher 80% 20% Other kids 78% 22% Religion 70% 30% Girl/Boyfriend 63% 37% Celebrities 63% 37% TV Shows 44% 56% Advertising 36% 64% 45 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Teens and Self-Image: Survey Results Question 5. Who understands you the most? Friend 42% Parent 28% Girl/Boyfriend 10% No one 8% Sibling 5% Religious Leader 1% Teacher 1% Other 5% 46 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Yeah! But…… (turn to your neighbor) • Do you see Possible Selves working with your students? • What implementation barriers do you see? • What solutions can you offer? • What is needed to support professional development and implementation? • Next steps? ? 47 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006

Possible Selves • One’s vision of the future is motivating • Future vision includes: – Hoped for Possible Selves (dreams) – Expected Possible Selves (short term) – Feared Possible Selves (avoidance) 48 University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 2006