Motivating Gen Z Learners: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/motivate-genz-learners

Introduction

### Course Review: Motivating Gen Z Learners: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know In today’s ever-evolving educational landscape, understanding how to effectively motivate learners—particularly those in Generation Z—has become increasingly important for parents and educators alike. Coursera’s course, "Motivating Gen Z Learners: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know," serves as an invaluable resource designed to bridge this knowledge gap. With a mix of theoretical insights and practical applications, this course promises to equip participants with the tools necessary to foster an engaging and supportive learning environment for young learners. #### Course Overview The main objective of this course is to explore motivational theories while providing practical strategies for their implementation. The narrative follows the experiences of two relatable characters, Bob and Sarah, whose journeys reflect common motivational challenges faced in educational settings. Participants are presented with various scenarios that encourage problem-solving through the application of motivational principles discussed throughout the course. By breaking down concepts of motivation into accessible sections, the course ensures that parents and educators will not only gain theoretical knowledge but also learn how to directly apply these concepts to real-life situations involving children and students. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Session 1 - Understanding What Motivates Behavior: Do Punishments and Rewards Work?** - This initial session delves into the intricacies of motivation, prompting participants to discern between intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. By the end, you will be equipped to identify what truly drives a child’s behavior and how to utilize external motivators without compromising their intrinsic motivation. The emphasis on judicious use of rewards and punishments presents a balanced view of motivational strategies vital for any parent or teacher. 2. **Session 2 - Looking into the Needs of Learners: Needs-Based Theories of Motivation** - The second session introduces the various needs-based theories of motivation, such as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Participants will explore how understanding the needs of learners can lead to more effective teaching methods. This session is particularly helpful as it emphasizes the importance of addressing emotional and psychological needs to enhance motivation. 3. **Session 3 - Mindsets and Causal Attributions for Success and Failure** - This module dives into the concept of mindset – differentiating between fixed and growth mindsets. By the end of the session, participants will learn how to influence a learner’s attribution style, effectively changing how they perceive success and failure. This is a pivotal skill for educators and parents aiming to nurture resilience and a positive attitude toward learning challenges. 4. **Session 4 - The Self-Regulated Learner** - The final session focuses on self-regulation, a critical skill for students in the 21st century. Participants will be guided on how to foster self-regulation in their children and students, enabling them to take charge of their learning. This session wraps up the course by tying together all learned concepts and emphasizing the importance of building autonomy in learners. #### Why Recommend This Course? This course is a gem for any parent or educator looking to deepen their understanding of what drives today’s youth. "Motivating Gen Z Learners" stands out not only for its content but also for its practical approach to real-world issues. Here’s why I wholeheartedly recommend it: - **Comprehensive and Accessible**: The lasting impact of motivation on the educational journey cannot be overstated. This course provides comprehensive insights that are easily digestible, making it suitable for individuals with varying levels of experience in educational psychology. - **Practical Application**: Rather than abstract theory, the course provides realistic scenarios and actionable strategies, ensuring that participants can implement learned concepts in their daily interactions with learners. - **Increased Engagement**: The storyline of Bob and Sarah provides a relatable framework that makes learning more engaging. Participants can see themselves in these scenarios, which enhances the overall learning experience. - **Supportive Community**: Being part of a broader community of parents and educators fosters discussion and shared experiences, enriching the learning journey. In conclusion, if you’re a parent or educator seeking to inspire and understand the motivations of Gen Z learners, "Motivating Gen Z Learners: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know" is a course that I highly recommend. It empowers you with the knowledge and skills necessary to help young learners thrive academically and personally in a complex world. Enroll today and take a significant step towards becoming a more effective and insightful guide in the lives of your children or students.

Syllabus

Session 1 - Understanding what motivates behavior: Do punishments and rewards work?

By the end of this session, you will be able to determine the source(s) of a child’s motivation, to use appropriate external motivators judiciously, and to identify and assist in satisfying the needs of your student(s) or children.

Session 2 - Looking into the Needs of Learners: Needs-Based Theories of Motivation

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

Session 3 - Mindsets and Causal Attributions for Success and Failure

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

Session 4 - The Self-Regulated Learner

Overview

The purpose of this course is to equip parents and educators with the knowledge of motivational theories and their application in real-life contexts. Following the storyline of two children, Bob and Sarah, course participants are presented with a variety of problem scenarios. These depict common motivational issues that the participants can resolve using the motivational principles described in the course. Through the various sessions, parents and educators will progressively build a repertoire

Skills

Education Motivation Teaching Philosophy Positive Education Learning Styles

Reviews

This course is helpful for parents and teachers to help the student and their child. I love this! I highly recommend this course.

Very fun course to learn more about ways to teach our kids to learn more effectively.

The course materials are clearly written and easy to understand, very effective as a self learning online course.

I thought this course had a good balance of text and video and audio instruction that was engaging and easy to assimilate. The information was good and well paced.

The course is very helpful and useful to teachers and parents. I love how the lessons are presented in very interesting and interactive manner.