Background

People are generally motivated by three things: PLEASURE, MASTERY, and VALUES. To better understand your students, have them write about these topics by making the list below into an assignment.

For FUN, have them list everything they do for fun.
For EXPERT write everything that they are really good at or are striving to be really good at.
For HEROES/SHEROES, have them write down people that they admire, and list at least two qualities that they admire in each person.

Save the student’s lists and refer back to them – especially when you are having difficulty connecting with a particular student. See below for an example of what the assignment may look like.


FUN	EXPERT	HEROES/SHEROES
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.	Currently: 1. 2. 3. 4 Striving: 1. 2. 3. 4.	1. Qualities: 2. Qualities: 3. Qualities: 4. Qualities:

Adapted from Jon Pearson’s “Engage Students to Help Them Reach Their Full Potential” in Volume 23 #6 June/July 2019 issue of California Educator.