Student Perspectives

Abstract

As illustrated in Chapter 2, and exemplified in the above quotation, motivation is widely seen by psychologists in intrapersonal terms, that is, as something residing within the individual. The seemingly unproblematic acceptance of a Cartesian dualism whereby mind is artificially separated from context (Prawat, 1998) is not a perspective that we share. Neither can we treat levels of the ecosystem in isolation, although for the purposes of conveying a complex account we isolate elements (students, peers, teachers etc.) in our initial analyses. Thus, this chapter seeks to highlight differences in student perspectives across the three milieux.

To students: You forfeit your chance for life at its fullest when you withhold your best effort in learning. When you give only the minimum to learning, you receive only the minimum in return. Even with your parents’ best example and your teachers’ best efforts, in the end it is your work that determines how much and how well you learn. When you work to your full capacity, you can hope to attain the knowledge and skills that will enable you to create your future and control your destiny. If you do not, you will have your future thrust upon you by others. Take hold of your life, apply your gifts and talents, work with dedication and self-discipline. Have high expectations for yourself and convert every challenge into an opportunity.

(A Nation at Risk — National Commission on Excellence in Education, 1983, pp. 35–36)