Motivation Journal

Motivation Journal

Notepad6.wmf (9736 bytes)

Description:

The rationale underlying the practice of keeping a motivation journal is to allow you to make common sense understanding of the abstract theories of motivation that we read about and discuss in class. Your journal should be made up of entries about current events going on around you, either present or in past instances, that relate to the theories and principles of motivation that we discuss in class and in our readings. You may use real-life situations that you encounter, news events that you read or hear about, cases you observe in others around you, or anything that you believe to be a valid observation of a theory "in action".

Criteria:

You are required to have at least 16 entries. Each entry should be at least one notebook page in length, but may be longer if you find a particular instance to be worth more elaboration. You should back up each entry with a particular reference to something in our textbook (use a page number, if applicable) or to a particular theory.

Rationale: Question.wmf (1056 bytes)

Remember, theories will tend to remain abstract in our minds unless we attempt to make personal connections and attach personal relevance to the particular theory. This motivation "stuff" is happening all around you, to you, to others, -- it is more than just a bunch of jargon! Your journal should be something personal that helps you in this sense-making process.

Format:

You may hand-write your entries only if you keep it legible. You also may type up and gather pages into a notebook. I will check entries every few class periods. Your final product will be gathered into a notebook of some sort, to be turned in. Completed journals will be due near the end of the semester.