Motivational Perspective Definition Motivational theories focus on how intrinsic and extrinsic motivators affect reader success. These theories suggest that student engagement and investment are critical factors in long-term reading ability.
Description and Explanation of Motivational Theories and Models
Classical Conditioning Theory stresses learning through association. This theory suggests that a teacher who is consistent and repetitive with a particular stimulus in connection to a particular behavior will over time teach students to associate that stimulus with that behavior. Through classical conditioning, students can “develop strong feelings related to learning” (Tracey & Morrow, 2012, …show more content…
A student’s interests in reading, dedication to reading, and confidence with reading contribute to their long-term intrinsic motivation to read. When teachers and families provide opportunities for children to become excited about reading, they are empowering students by increasing engagement with, and investment in, reading. Engagement and investment in reading creates the foundation for long-term reading achievement because it generates the critical perception that there is value in reading. This theory is a motivational theory of literacy because it focuses on the components of student motivation to read, and on the role that this motivation plays in successful …show more content…
One instructional practice that engages students in reading is the implementation of thematic units. Thematic units provide opportunities for student engagement and investment. Themes that are relevant to student interests allow teachers to incorporate standards through the lens of a particular topic. Thematic units can help students to make connections across content areas, and helps cultivate their engagement with the topic. Teachers can select texts for whole-group and small-group reading instruction that fit within the theme. This allows students to engage in rich literature about the subject, as well as to interact with the topic on their instructional level. It is also good practice to provide students with an abundance of literature on the topic to explore. Independent reading time to investigate and discover information about the theme that is of particular interest to them allows students to interact with the subject at a deeper level. Additionally, independent research projects related to a themed unit give students opportunities to choose a particular facet of the theme that interests them. Themed units provide teachers with the ability to motivate students through structured learning that peeks their