Role of Grades in Motivating and Disciplining Students

Motivation is a necessity so that learning becomes a continuing, improving, interesting and hopefully enjoyable process. I say “hopefully enjoyable” because although you as a teacher try to make learning fun, your students should understand that learning is the goal, the fun part is just nice to have. As I’m sure you know, most people can be intimidated when it comes to doing or learning something new – they would just prefer to maintain the status quo, it’s easier.

You as a teacher, must develop and encourage classroom motivation, i.e. think of and find ways to motivate students to reach their potential, their goals and their dreams. However, having said that, students must also share in the responsibility by doing some things for themselves, such as: Set realistic goals for themselves, (based on their desires, not on what others may say) and thus become more motivated to attain their goals. Understand that achieving one’s goals takes work and may involve some risk. Learning is work and can be risky to your self-esteem when you try something new, admit you don’t know something and have to ask for help. As a teacher, you are more than just an instructor.

You are also a leader who must inspire and encourage good student behavior. With proper planning and foresight, you can design and implement an effective system of rules, rewards, and consequences that maximizes learning and cooperation in your classroom. Class rules are unique to each teacher, reflecting your personality, teaching style, and educational objectives. By clearly communicating the rules to your students from the first day of school, you are setting the class on a path toward your ultimate vision for the school year. Also, in using grades to motivate, you must assure your students that you really give then grades for them to be motivated. Although it is not good to use grades as a punishment for your students, atleast you have this agreement to them that whenever they commit mistakes, you must give them a low grade for them to do good next time.

I had also learned in Our report on how to handle an angry parents through a lot of steps.

First is,Just Listen, this means that you Don’t interrupt and don’t be in a hurry to jump in. Doing so will only make them angrier and more intent on making a big issue out of it. Respond only after they’ve gotten everything off their chest.

Second,Categorize this means that If the complaint is related to standardized teaching methods, curriculum, school policies, and other areas out of your control, then refer them to the principal without further comment. If the complaint is in regard to your classroom management plan, homework policy, or classroom procedures, then politely explains why you do things the way you do. Without being defensive, educate them on how your program works to protect every student’s right to learn and enjoy school. Be open, inviting, and personable, and they’ll walk away impressed with you and the way you run your classroom.

Third, Empathizethis means that you must Validate the parent’s feelings by telling them that you understand why they’re upset and why they feel the way they do. Keep in mind that just because something doesn’t seem like a big deal to you, doesn’t mean that it isn’t a very real concern to them.

Forth,Take Responsibility this means that Whether or not you’re directly responsible for why the parent is angry is irrelevant. Take responsibility anyway. It’s the fastest way to diffuse their anger and is the right thing to do–for them and for you. Simply say, “It’s my responsibility and I’m going to take care of it.”

Fifthly, Apologize, When you take responsibility, it’s only natural, and befitting, to apologize–even if you don’t entirely see things their way. You might say, “Hey, I’m sorry you had to come to me with this.” Or “Gosh, I’m really sorry this happened. “Often, that’s all a parent wants to hear. Sixthly, Fix It means that you must End your conversation by reiterating that you’re going to take care of the problem. But this time is specific. Say something like, “Rest assured, I’m going to see to it that Anthony doesn’t bother your daughter during reading time any longer. “And then do it. Don’t let it wait. Fix the problem as soon as you’re able.

Lastly, Follow Up .After you’ve taken care of the problem, contact the parent to let them know. There is no reason to apologize again. And there is no need to go on and on. It’s over and time to move on.Before ending the conversation, thank the parent for coming to you, and then ask them to contact you if they have any more concerns.