Database of Publications

Date: 2013.07.16

Posted by Marcela Grecová (Czech Republic)

Message: The article deals with students’ motivation. There is general advice for teachers (not only for chemistry teachers). Author discusses the types of motivation (the inner and outer) and components (needs, interests, attitudes, aspirations). Teacher\'s personality has an important role in motivating the students. Boredom and fear in school are also being discussed. The article also deals with the issue of pupils in the process of changing elementary school for high school.

It is an article designated for students of pedagogy (it is taken from a server with essays for students). The author is not listed, nor is the exact date of publication. But it\'s still an article that is relevant, interesting and related to the topic of the project. Many sources from technical publications are being used for the article, from both Slovak foreign authors.

Date: 2013.07.15

Posted by Veronika Popová (Czech Republic)

Message: Although the article is written by an anonymous author and freely published on the internet, it is very well prepared and organised. It is definitely relevant for project CIAA Network - part Students´ Motivation.
At first glance it may seem that the first part is too theoretical, but I can say that the author managed to summarize in a very clear and effective way an essential and important information on the issue of students\' motivation (such as components and types of motivation, the process of its formation). The author also very clearly points out the obstacles and difficulties associated with creating and maintaining of students\' motivation.
The article also deals with the teacher\'s personality and his activity in relation to student motivation.
Although the theoretical part of the article deals with the generally accepted facts, I am convinced that this article definitely has its justified place among the publications in the project CIIA Network. I appreciate especially the fact that all the information is made in​​entirely comprehensible form.
In particular the second part of the article provides useful practical recommendations how to increase students´ motivation - again summarized in a comprehensive and very clear way.
The author of this article on the other hand also highlights the factors that tend to result in reduced school performance and motivation of students - again based on many sources and very clearly.
In the conclusion, the author briefly introduces the outcomes of the research of motivation for learning of Slovak pupils in the transition from primary school to secondary school, conducted in 1997 Eva Marusičová. The author highlights interesting conclusions that can be also for teachers benefit to ponder (in general).

Date: 2012.10.12

Posted by KRASIMIRA TOMEVA (Bulgaria)

Message: The paper dwells upon motivation, its intrinsic character, types of motivation and its importance in the process of learning.
It contains practical/applicable proposals concerning the ways of raising its level and makes a review of the changes it undergoes with secondary school students.а.
Similarly, it points out motivation as a key factor of entire process of education:
 Facilitates teacher’s work;
 Underlies students desire and quest for acquiring new knowledge.
Touches in brief some of the reasons behind low motivations such as:
 Monotonous contact classes
 Miscomprehension of activities which students are to perform
 Stressful situations
 Physical discomfort (poor acoustic and visibility).
The paper does not comment difficulties and challenges encountered by students in learning chemistry,however, it offers practical proposals on how to raise motivation.
Students should be properly informed and instructed on what they should do in class;
They need to be encouraged and their attention focused by means of simulations and games. The paper also makes a comment on the effect of awards and corrective discipline
Though not directly stating their target, these recommendations suggest ideas that could streamline teacher’s work.
 The paper makes a partial comment on the challenges encountered by teachers in their attempt to associate learning material with modern scientific achievements
Challenge1: A good teacher is supposed to know quite a good number of ways to motivate his/her students.
Challenge2: He/She is supposed to be aware of how and to what extent to motivate students as improper use of motivational factors can hinder learning even to the extent of causing indifference or opposition on behalf of the students.
Challenge3: Each of the activities done in class is to be grounded in motivation.
Motivation is regarded as part of each person’s individuality and is strongly related with the needs, interests, routine practices and life plans of that person.
Key factors underlying students’ motivation such as teacher’s qualification, character, personal skills, temperament, style of work and attitude to children are given a detailed account in the paper.
Another useful aspect of this paper is that it facilitates a better understanding of motivation and its relationship with individual personal characteristics.
Likewise the paper points out the role of the teacher as the agent of motivation in students. Practical proposals are given concerning rise of motivation.
This material could contribute to enhancement of students’ interest in chemistry classes. Increase of motivation will cause adequate activity on behalf of students and bring about to better awareness and assimilation of learning material