Motivation- Academic Fears

          I think, motivation is the most important and powerful thing, when we want to accomplish something. Motivation is a kind of force that takes us apathy to activity. It makes us inactive to active. If we experience achievement, our motivation level goes up. As we can see the big difference between motivated students and unmotivated students, motivation is a quite important thing.

There are two ways in motivation, external and internal motivator. External motivators are those that come from a source outside of us. Internal motivators are those that are within us, such as feeling of accomplishment, learning for sake of learning, feeling a sense of satisfaction, and experiencing a sense of pride. The below picture is the chart of my external and internal motivators in 3D class. Both motivators are important, however, I think internal motivator is more important. It is controlled by us because the motivation comes from within.

Among several motivation strategies, I chose academic fear. I think the one reason for a lack of motivation is the fear that is generated by the impending consequence. In last semester, I took time art class. I was not motivated the class. In time art class, I usually learned computer programs and technical skills. However, I was not used to use computer programs. I had a fear generated from computer programs. Although I paid concentration on the class and professor’s lectures, I still didn’t understand computer programs. It seemed like that I was behind the class. I was fearful about the class. The fear is about what will happen next, such as grade and final portfolio. I talked with professors and got some helps from T.A. So, I finished the class well. However, if I knew this strategy, it would be easier.

The way to make academic fear chart is easy. First, I listed three academic fears and ranked order them as the above picture. My academic fears were do not understanding computer program (1), getting behind the class (2), and failing final portfolio (3).             Second, I chose worst fear. In the second column of the chart, I described the worst thing that can happen in the situation. My worst fear was that I would get C or D in the course and cannot make a good final portfolio. Third, in the third column, I described the best thing that can happen. My best outcome was that I talk and get some help from T.A. and professor. The finals step is describing what I need to do to make the best scenario happen. My action needed is that I talk with professor, read directions carefully, and talk with classmates.

After I made the chart, I regretted that I didn’t know the strategy before. If I knew it before, time art class was much easier to me. If I have another difficult class in future, I am going to use the chart. Through the chart, I realize my academic fear, worst outcome, best outcome, and action that I need. So, finally, I can make the best scenario for the course. Although I already know my academic fear and outcomes, it is better if I make a complete chart.