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~ STUDY SKILLS TIP FOR MAY ~ HOW STUDENTS GET THEMSELVES MOTIVATED TO DO ACADEMIC WORK


The following is extracted from ‘Regulation of Motivation: Evaluating an Underemphasized Aspect of Self-Regulated Learning” by C. Wolters. (Educational Psychologist, 2003, 38(4), pp.189-205).


1. REWARDS: Many students set rewards for themselves “I’ll read this section then I can eat this sandwich”. Some students use the opposite, punishments; they create consequences for themselves where they will deprive themselves if they do not do the work.


2. SELF-PRAISE: Some students recognising


going. find that their progress to themselves and


praising themselves for their efforts creates a more positive mental environment and encourages them to keep


Comments such as “Well


done, you’ve solved yet another problem” can help create mental stamina.


3. GOAL-ORIENTED SELF-TALK: Students who think about why they are studying or what possible future outcomes may be from putting in effort can also strengthen the effect of these thoughts by making sub-vocal statements while they are engaged in an academic activity. When faced with an urge to stop working they may focus on the thought of getting better marks, or getting into a particular course at uni or even the satisfaction of learning a new skill or developing self-discipline.


4. INTEREST ENHANCEMENT: This involves looking for ways to make the task to be completed more interesting or enjoyable. Even making slight modifications to make something less boring or repetitive. One student found that by writing notes in a different style it made the activity more inspiring.


5. ENVIRONMENTAL STRUCTURING: This is also referred to as resource management and is all about removing temptations and


creating an


environment that is more conducive to studying. It may even mean studying in a different location such as a local or school library in order to stay focused on the tasks to be completed.


6. PROXIMAL GOAL-SETTING: Breaking larger tasks into smaller more manageable chunks will help students to feel more motivated about what needs to be done. Setting specific and achievable short-term goals with an allocated time-frame can help increase students sense of efficacy.


COWRA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER


7. DEFENSIVE PESSIMISM: “I think about how unprepared I am in order to get myself to work harder”. There is mixed research about this approach and the negativity involved. However every student is different and for some students making themselves a bit anxious about what they haven’t done may be necessary to get them to start doing their work.


8. EMOTIONAL CONTROL: Thoughts produce feelings, feelings lead to actions. If we can make our thoughts and feelings more positive, this can lead to more positive actions. When students are feeling unmotivated, strategies such as taking a short amount of time to close your eyes and engage in deep slow breathing, or counting slowly backwards from 10 while thinking positive reassuring thoughts about their abilities to do what has to be done has been found to be beneficial.


Learn more at the Developing Motivation


www.studyskillshandbook.com.au. Our school’s subscription details are - Username: cowrahs Password:


174results  ZEAL THEATRE


Zeal Theatre's wonderful production of Cain and Tayla is coming soon to Cowra High School. For only $7 students can enjoy this production aimed at areas concerning today's youth. With a vibrant cast, excellent production values and professional actors this promises to be as good, if not better than the previous production Burnt. The play relates directly to the senior English and PHP curriculum and will assist our senior students greatly with their current work.


The story of Cain & Tayla takes place over a year time period and revolves around two main characters ~ a Year 11 boy, Cain, and a Year 9 girl, Tayla. A group of Year 11s are forming a band. A gang of Year 8, 9 & 10 students hang around the band either to worship them, ‘hook up’ or just party. Through the course of the play, different home lives are juxtaposed, hopes and ambitions are revealed, egos collide, friendships rise & fall, and each character has to deal with their own responsibilities & passions. The main theme of the play is caring: caring for oneself, caring for one’s family & friends, and caring for one’s future.


Please see your English teacher for details 


unit of


PO Box 72 • Dowell Street • Cowra 2794 • Telephone: 02 6342 1766 • Facsimile: 02 6342 1578 • Email: cowra-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au


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