@fglass : I hear you! Sometimes it seems as if students feel entitled to a good grade, just because they are in a class. Honestly, I address this on the first day, but in a positive way. I ask them who's responsible for their grade. I let them tell me that it is up to themselves. I also let them come up with what they need to do in order to succeed. We even go over grades, and what constitutes an A versus a C. I do have them sign a form saying they understand the syllabus, and are responsible for their success in the class (or not). With Gen Y, sometimes I find that if you let them think it is their idea they buy into it more.
ED112 was a very informative course. I think one of the biggest enemies of motivation is complacency - I remember going to school and it was always tough towards the end of a course. This still remains true to this day of myself and the students I encounter. Its one of our biggest challenges, but the reward is inspiring them to finish strong and succeeding at it. I think one of the best motivators is putting a stop to frustration, if you see someone getting frustrated, a positive word of encouragement has enough power to move a mountain, so remember when you have a challenge with a student younger, older, or just plain lost the motivation, you have the power to change that perception.
I am wondering how much of the soft/interpersonal skills are students learning and applying in primary education if there is such a push back against the human skills that come along side the technical skills. To me professionalism goes hand-in-hand with the "core" content. As educators we have to do a better job of incorporating that concept. In addition, our student have to understand that when it comes to their education, they can't ask for a drink of water and not expect it to come in cup. Their thirst for the core subject material may be satisfied, but to be effective and have a chance in their careers, students need to look at professional skills as the container in which their hard skills are carried.
