Understanding Student Achievement
D. Betsy McCoach, PhD
by Drs. D. Betsy McCoach and Del Siegle
Why are some children willing to tackle new challenges, while others seem insecure or uninterested? What can parents do to promote an achievement-oriented attitude?
Many factors contribute to achievement, and motivation is one important component. What have we learned about motivated students and their achievement-oriented attitude? Three things stand out:
- Motivated students find value in their school experience and believe their work will produce beneficial outcomes.
- They believe they possess the skills necessary to be successful.
- They trust their environment and expect they can succeed in it.
Del Siegle, PhD
When students value the activity in which they are engaged, see the outcome as beneficial and have positive perceptions of themselves and their opportunities for success, they are more likely to implement self-regulation behaviors, set realistic expectations, and apply appropriate strategies for success.
Children need support and encouragement to pursue their interests and passions. Providing this encouragement is an important role for educators and parents. Adults can help students see the value in the work they are doing, believe in themselves and their abilities, learn to trust that their environment will support their productivity and set realistic expectations. Early development of achievement-oriented behaviors will help young people lead productive, fulfilling lives. We look forward to discussing this issue and what parents can do to promote an achievement-orientated attitude during CTD’s Opportunities for the Future Conference on June 29. D. Betsy McCoach and Del Siegle are scholars in the field of gifted education. Dr. McCoach is an associate professor in educational psychology and in the Measurement, Evaluation and Assessment program at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Siegle is the Head of the Department of Educational Psychology at University of Connecticut, where he teaches in gifted and talented education.