The Most UNDERPLAYED Approach to Cultivating Value in a Classroom

Summary

In this engaging discussion, the speaker reflects on Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy, emphasizing the importance of fostering a child's intrinsic motivation to learn. The speaker critiques the overemphasis on relevance and utility in education, arguing that these approaches can detract from a child's character and curiosity. Instead, they advocate for nurturing the innate desire for knowledge, suggesting that students, despite their outward appearances, genuinely enjoy learning. The video also highlights the speaker's upcoming resources, including a blog article and a course aimed at enhancing student motivation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Charlotte Mason emphasizes the importance of motivating children through their desire for knowledge and personal growth.
• 📚 Overemphasis on relevance in education can lead to students feeling like they're the center of the universe, which can be damaging.
• 🛠️ Focusing too much on the utility of education can create a mindset where students only value what is immediately useful.
• 🔍 Throughout history, people have valued knowledge for its own sake, not just for its practical applications.
• ✨ The desire for knowledge is a fundamental human trait, and educators should nurture this curiosity in students.
• 🤔 Students, even those who appear disinterested, have a natural inclination to learn and know more about the world.
• 👩‍🏫 Teachers should create opportunities for students to explore and satisfy their curiosity about various topics.
• 🎥 The speaker will provide further insights and resources on this topic through a blog article and a book.
• 🌍 Acknowledging that students enjoy growth and learning can enhance their educational experience.
• 💡 The speaker offers a student motivation course that delves deeper into the beliefs that drive student motivation.

Q & A

Who is Charlotte Mason, and what is her contribution to education?

Charlotte Mason was a British educational theorist from the early 20th century. She emphasized the importance of inciting children's desire for knowledge and personal growth without overly focusing on any one motive that could harm their character.

What are the two overplayed approaches to motivating students mentioned in the video?

The two overplayed approaches are 'relevance,' where teaching is overly connected to students' interests, and 'utility,' which focuses on the usefulness of knowledge in real-life situations.

Why does the speaker believe that overemphasizing relevance can be damaging to students?

Overemphasizing relevance can give students a sense of entitlement, making them think they are the center of the universe, which can negatively impact their character development.

How does the speaker feel about the utility approach in education?

While the speaker acknowledges the importance of demonstrating usefulness in learning, they caution that overusing this approach can lead students to believe that knowledge is only valuable if its usefulness is immediately evident.

What is the 'desire for knowledge,' and how does it play a role in education?

The 'desire for knowledge' refers to the innate curiosity and eagerness to learn that humans have. The speaker believes this desire is often underutilized in education, as students naturally want to know more about the world.

What observation does the speaker make about students' behavior in class?

The speaker notes that even students who may appear disinterested or cool often still have a desire to learn and know things, indicating that curiosity is present even when it's not outwardly expressed.

What strategies does the speaker suggest for engaging students in their learning?

The speaker suggests making more plays toward students' desire to know, incorporating interesting and engaging content that captures their attention, even if it seems unusual.

What resources does the speaker provide for further exploration of the topic?

The speaker mentions a blog article on valuable leaves, a book titled 'These Six Things' that discusses key beliefs about motivation, and a student motivation course featuring numerous brief videos.

What is the main message of the video?

The main message is that fostering a genuine desire for knowledge in students is a powerful and often overlooked method of motivating them to value education.

How does the speaker view the relationship between knowledge and personal growth?

The speaker believes that knowledge contributes significantly to personal growth, and when students are encouraged to pursue knowledge, they enjoy learning and developing their skills.