Happiness in education is very important in order to be able to stay motivated in school. A lot of students lack happiness in school. They lack motivation, and even some are often confused about why they are in school to begin with. In the reading “Happiness In Education” Tal Ben-Shahar describes his two models of student motivation as the drowning model, and the lovemaking model. The drowning model is the feeling of one day being free from the stress of school, or that once we are free from it, we believe we are happier. Students feel pressured about school, and that can really set them back, and cause them to do things that will affect their education. The lovemaking model, on the other hand, is loving every moment of our education along the way. Students feel that enthusiasm when they sit in a classroom, and enjoy everything about the work they are given. Every student, however, has their own reason why they are not completely happy in school, and different ideas on how they can be happier. What can we do, as students, to keep us motivated and happy in school? Although, we may not be able to change everything we dislike about school, there are ways we can make our school experiences worth our while. I have realized that being able to get a complete understanding of what I learn, being comfortable in a classroom, and being able to express my own ideas will make me happier in school.
Often, in my classes, I have had teachers who fly by subjects so fast, that it makes it hard for anybody to learn. In order for me to be able to move on, I have to feel like I was able to get a complete understanding of what was being taught. Not all teachers will stop their lesson to continuously go back for one student. I have learned that it is better for me not to be afraid to ask questions. How else will I understand if I don’t ask? Once I understand things a little better, I feel a lot better. If I have one of those teachers that does not really take the time to explain things, I have to try and figure it out. There are times where I feel like I didn’t understand everything, so I go back to my notes from that day, or I research it. I do a lot of research because I love that feeling of having learned about something that I had no intentions of learning about when I started looking things up. I like doing projects and assignments that require research, because it is a good way for me to learn a lot of new things. I love to learn, and I always need to be sure I know everything there is to know about a particular topic. I am a quick learner, but I have to have that clear understanding to able to catch on.
Being in school, I have found that being able to feel comfortable in a classroom, also helps to keep me motivated, and wanting to learn. Being in a classroom where everyone’s ideas can be expressed excites me. You never know what you can learn from another classmates point of view. To me, socializing in school can be a good way to stay focused. I love the idea of working in groups, as well as working alone. I love hearing other people’s point of view on certain topics. Sharing ideas with your teachers and fellow classmates is a good way to express yourself, and also a good way to learn. It also helps give students a feeling of importance in school. It is always important for a student to know that his/her voice is being heard. Sometimes, I feel that I am most comfortable when I am given clear direction, but also being able to have some freedom to express my ideas. When I am given a topic to write about, I like to really think it through. I take my time to write my thoughts down, and later organize them into a paper. I do the same when I am listening to someone speak, or watching an educational video for class. My mind tends to scatter in so many directions, so I get a piece of paper, and write everything down so that I don’t lose my train of thought.
A lot of students struggle with being happy in school, and don’t realize that there are things that they can do to make their school experience a little more interesting. So many students get stuck in the drowning side of motivation because they feel that a better school experience is not in their power. No student should be bored or confused about why they are in school. I know that if I didn’t have the opportunity to go back to school, I wouldn’t be happy. I love being in an environment where I can learn so many different things, aside from what is being taught. Now, being in school, feeling this sense of comfort makes me eager to learn. After reading “Happiness In Education” I realized that I am on the lovemaking side of motivation in education. I enjoy doing my classwork, and going home and completing my assignments for class. When I sit in the classroom, I am prepared to listen and learn. I honestly never thought that I’d be able to get that feeling again when it came to being in school. I really can’t remember the last time I was actually happy in school, but now that I am I plan on doing my best, and proving to myself that I can be successful. Right now, there’s absolutely nothing I would change. After taking 2 years off from school, I was anxious to return. Now that I am back in school, I think about the ways that I can stay happy in school and never lose my motivation.
Your blog is explicit in explaining what you intend. I was able to read fluently(GOOD JOB). One thing that I would change though, is your use of speech as different parties. Initially your post starts in the 3rd person, then you move to the 2nd and 1st person. In writing, I personally prefer remaining consistent with who I write as;either an outsider writing about something or someone or a person writing about himself. I wasn't too clear about the thesis but after reading the last sentence in your 1st paragraph and the remainder of the post, it became clear what your supporting details were leading up to. I'm glad to hear that you've been able to establish happiness in your education. GREAT WORK!
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