Some motivation theorists believe that human beings have a basic need for relatedness. a. In a paragraph, explain what theorists mean by this concept, and describe three different student behaviors you might see that would indicate a high need for relatedness. b. In three additional paragraphs, describe three different strategies you might use as a teacher to address students' need for

Question

relatedness by showing and promoting caring. Be specific as to what you might do.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

a. The need for relatedness is the need to feel socially connected and to secure others' love and respect. This need may manifest itself in a variety of student behaviors, such as the following (give credit for other reasonable examples as well):
• Interacting with peers, perhaps at the expense of getting schoolwork done
• Being concerned about projecting a favorable public image
• Showing concern for others' welfare
• Helping others
• Showing susceptibility to peer pressure
b. The response should describe at least three strategies for addressing students' need for relatedness. Following are examples of appropriate strategies (other strategies are possible as well):
• Include group activities (e.g., class discussions, cooperative learning) in the weekly schedule.
• Show students that you like and respect them and are concerned about their well-being.
• Create a classroom culture in which everyone is valued and respected.
• Give recognition for students' achievements and good deeds.
• Reward students for high achievement by giving them a little bit of free time at the end of class to interact with classmates.
• Help students maintain a good "image" in the eyes of their peers (e.g., don't single them out as being high achievers if their friends don't value academic achievement; scold them privately rather than publicly for any wrongdoings).
• Occasionally rearrange seating assignments as a way of helping students get to know some of their classmates better.
Each of the strategies identified should be described in sufficiently specific and concrete terms that you have a fairly good idea as to what the teacher would do and how it would address students' need for relatedness.