I believe that the problem for some of them is that they approach school in
a negative reinforcement mode rather than a positive reinforcement mode.
They study to escape test anxiety and avoid failure. Hence, there is no
pride in accomplishing something good, just relief that nothing bad
One thing that has struck me this semester is that many of my students
seem to take little pride in their work in my courses. I began to wonder
about what it is that causes us to take pride in something. It seems to
me that we take pride in something when we consider it to be a valued
Jeff et al:
Someone (I think Mark Twain) said that Americans are as a group somewhat
anti-intellectual.
We glorify most those who manage to succeed without a higher education - the
myth of the "self made person." People who drop out early from education and
make it on their own. Often those
Jeff, one of my favorite stories is a Buddhist fable. As the story
went, a young, inexperienced teacher was about to assume the duties as
tutor to the heir apparent. The young prince was not an attentive and
devoted student. The young teacher, understanding the consequences of
failure,
Louis,
This answer is much more useful to me. Thank you for sending it. I accept
your apology and understand that you meant no offense. I am sorry if I misunderstood
your original intentions.
Jeff Ricker
-- Original Message --
Dave, thank you for your words. I can understand what you
