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Flow Theory and Its Implications for My Educational Practice
Time flies when you’re having fun. This familiar saying, which may trace its roots back to the Latin phrase tempus fugit or “time flies,” was first written by the author Virgil (70-19 B.C.) (ESC, 2000). For those who have experienced this sensation, it is the period of time when a person becomes so wrapped up in an activity that they lose track of time. These moments of intense concentration and satisfaction are known as flow (Csikszentmihalyi, 1993). In this essay, I will examine the basic principles of flow theory, highlight some of the research that has been completed in the past decade on flow theory, and conclude with the impact flow theory will have on my future educational …show more content…
Regarding the subject of adult intervention, if the intervention is at the request of the learner, it supports autonomy and encourages flow. However, if the intervention is forced by the adult, it has the opposite effect (Custodero, 2002). I know that, in the interests of time, I often jump straight to intervention without being asked. I now recognize that I need to be more patient and allow the students to work through the challenge and seek me out when they are ready. Conversely, peer interaction is usually positive. If a task is too challenging, then peers are able to model different methods to help the student overcome the challenge. If the task is too easy, peers are able to help find ways to make the task more challenging (Custodero, 2002). Therefore, it would be beneficial in my classroom to offer more opportunities for peer intervention.
Conclusion
Intrinsic motivation is very important in my classroom. It is what keeps students in my ensembles after they have fulfilled the state requirement for their arts credit. Several of the articles I referenced, along with the original work of Csikszentmihalyi, make a strong case that flow can increase a person’s intrinsic motivation to participate in an activity. It is my hope that a stronger focus in my classroom on practices that encourage flow will lead to better retention and more enjoyment of the students who
Flow Theory and Its Implications for My Educational Practice
Time flies when you’re having fun. This familiar saying, which may trace its roots back to the Latin phrase tempus fugit or “time flies,” was first written by the author Virgil (70-19 B.C.) (ESC, 2000). For those who have experienced this sensation, it is the period of time when a person becomes so wrapped up in an activity that they lose track of time. These moments of intense concentration and satisfaction are known as flow (Csikszentmihalyi, 1993). In this essay, I will examine the basic principles of flow theory, highlight some of the research that has been completed in the past decade on flow theory, and conclude with the impact flow theory will have on my future educational …show more content…
Regarding the subject of adult intervention, if the intervention is at the request of the learner, it supports autonomy and encourages flow. However, if the intervention is forced by the adult, it has the opposite effect (Custodero, 2002). I know that, in the interests of time, I often jump straight to intervention without being asked. I now recognize that I need to be more patient and allow the students to work through the challenge and seek me out when they are ready. Conversely, peer interaction is usually positive. If a task is too challenging, then peers are able to model different methods to help the student overcome the challenge. If the task is too easy, peers are able to help find ways to make the task more challenging (Custodero, 2002). Therefore, it would be beneficial in my classroom to offer more opportunities for peer intervention.
Conclusion
Intrinsic motivation is very important in my classroom. It is what keeps students in my ensembles after they have fulfilled the state requirement for their arts credit. Several of the articles I referenced, along with the original work of Csikszentmihalyi, make a strong case that flow can increase a person’s intrinsic motivation to participate in an activity. It is my hope that a stronger focus in my classroom on practices that encourage flow will lead to better retention and more enjoyment of the students who