Question

1. In class we discussed a paper by Meuller and Dweck (1998) looking at the effects of praising intelligence versus effort. What was the main finding of this paper? Imagine that you have recently taken a job as a Math teacher in a 5th grade classroom. You have a range of students but two stand out to you. Both are not doing well. One of them, Hilly seems to be exceling in most of her other subjects but struggling with Math. The other one, Bernie, appears to be ‘getting by’ in all of his classes. Given what you know about children’s attributions of achievement, how might you help each of these students? Be specific in the strategies and the language you will use to communicate with them.

Answer 1

The main finding of this paper was that effect of praising of intelligence had more negative consequence in children for achievement motivation contrary to praising effort.

Though Hilly and Bernie were the two standing out from class, the situation of both were entirely different. Hilly is just struggling with maths. She can be given special attention on the subject taking some extra time. Maybe her basic in math was nit set properly. Being in 5th std.there is still time for her to improve. Since she is good in all other subjects, math can be made understood in terms of other subjects and as a strory or from daily life things and make her interesting towards the subject. Also it has to be tested if she is having some issues with calculation like discalculia. If so her parents has to be informed and necessary training should be given.

Now coming to Bernie, she has to be tested for learning disability since she is weak for all subjects. If diagnosed, necessarry training should be given by experts. Otherwise, if itnis mere laziness, some actions might be strict like giving special hime works, more problems for solving etc. Also the basics should be made clear like numbers, addition etc.