Blog Topic #6 - MOTIVATION

Motivation is unique to the individual. Every student has different self-interests, this leads to different responses to motivating techniques. I benefited most from the way the class was designed. For myself, I think skill variety kept me motivated throughout the semester. This class was much different then any other class I have taken at Baruch College thus far, with respect to the direct student involvement in different group activities. Who would ever think an extra credit assignment would be to go to McDonald’s and order a “McGangbang” off the secret menu? A McGangbang? Secret Menu? This motivated me to learn more about the secret menu, while also giving McDonald’s some business. Every time I would walk into MGT 3120, I didn’t know what to expect, this excited me; I was motivated to learn. I felt the group activities definitely motivated not only me, but everyone in the class to be more involved in the lecture. I also appreciated the autonomy in the group activities; I am motivated by working independently. I feel that I work best without the constant supervision. Another important part of the class that motivated me was the feedback that we were allowed to give on various activities and exams. I always like to see my feedback make a difference in the classroom, or any other environment for that matter. I thought it was a great motivating technique to let the class decide how the second exam should be structured. At first, I thought it was strange that the professor didn’t offer any information regarding the task, but this really motivated everyone to work together as a team and agree 100% on the format of the next exam. The professor was able to turn the activity into a lecture on decision making, as well as, motivating the students to really study for the next exam since we were the ones designing the midterm. It worked for me, I know I did much better on the second exam then the first. Everyone appreciates seeing their opinions valued whether it be in the classroom or in the workplace.

I also felt the rewards aspect in the class motivated me to do the best as I could in the class. Focusing more on the extrinsic rewards, there were multiple opportunities to earn extra credit in the class. Looking back at the most recent communication activity I was motivated to listen as closely as possible, to earn the 5 points of extra credit. I must have drawn that same picture 10 times before I thought I had gotten it 100% correct. I knew that the 5 points on the final could be the different between a “B+” and an “A-” which could really come into play determining the final grade for the semester. Grades are always a major factor in the class for me, so any opportunity I have that can improve my grade, whether it be through an extra credit assignment or bonus points from an activity, motivates me.

As far as being more motivated in the class, I can’t really think of anything. I felt that the professor did a great job motivating me in the class. I felt that the skill variety really motivated me to come to class every day. I was excited because I knew not every class would be another lecture with no student involvement. I felt the professor offered a great combination of motivational techniques through autonomy and feedback. Independence in the classroom really allows each student to perform at the best of their abilities. The professor also used rewards as a motivational tactic by offering extra credit on exams which motivated me because grades are very important.

Overall, I was very motivated in MGT 3120 to perform. The professor proved to be a very effective leader throughout the semester through his varied motivational techniques.