motivation and cognitive functioning class preso

1. Motivation and Learning
The Brain and Cognitive Functioning
Chapters 8 and 9 in Merriam and Bierema, 2014

2. Agenda
An Overview of Your Readings
Questions about the final project or
presentations next week?
Updated due date for your final papers –
August 4 (one week extension)
• Tuesday, Aug 4 at 8 am (send by email). NO
further extensions, as grades are due within a
week!

3. Reading Topics Overview
Select topics - Work in pairs or
triads
Develop a short preso of
highlights (3-4 slides, max) –
email to tjcarter
OR
Lead us in a discussion, using
one of the “linking” activities at
chapter end
Share the presentation/
facilitation role
Topics
 Wlodkowski’s Levels of
Motivation
 Brain Basics / Memory
 Fluid and Crystallized
Intelligence
 Gardner’s Multiple
Intelligences
 Goldman’s Emotional
Intelligence
 Cognitive Development
and Wisdom

4. Be mindful of “cognitive load”
McClusky’s Power-Load Margin Theory (1963)
Margin = Power where margin equals energy
Load available for learning
Load consists of tasks of life (family, school, career) as well as
internal self-concept, goals, personal expectations
Power consists of the resources and capacity the individual
has at his or her disposal
McClusky, 1963

5. Sometimes, learners are drinking from a fire hose

6. Instructor-Generated Load
 Attitude
 Learner treated as inferior
 Learner’s opinions ignored
 Instructor too impatient
 Instructor too rigid
 Behavior
 Instructor’s distracting
mannerisms
 Instructor’s mumbling
 Instructor’s disorganization
 Instructor’s lack of eye
contact
 Task
 Inappropriate assignment
 Unclear grading practices
 Busy work
 Too little time to do the
assigned work
 Environment
 Desks and chairs
uncomfortable
 Poor lighting
 Noise from other
classrooms
 Room too hot, too cold

7. Ways to Minimize Instructor-
Generated Load
 Acknowledge the concept of “load” exists for your
learners
 Understand their concerns do not just center on
your course
 Acknowledge that you may be contributing to
load
 Address the issue of margin (available energy for
the task at hand)