What motivates me to learn chemistry? I'm sorry to say that the most influential cause is my extrinsic motivation of simply graduating high school. However, the reason I'm in Honors Chemistry is because I like to learn. (or at least, I don't mind learning) I also like a challenge and our class is very fun and engaging. I'm also extremely influenced by my intrinsic motivation for a good grade and overall GPA. I really try to excel academically in all of my classes, especially this one.
Throughout the year, I've really come to enjoy our class; it has reached a very happy medium of education and freedom. I like the material we are learning this year more than Bio; I think last year was more about memorizing parts of plants and cells, and this year has more to do with applying concepts. I don't know if I will use my appreciation for chem in the future, because I still have no idea what I want to do in my life. However, I still feel more extrinsic pressure because, my parents, both doctors, have always encouraged me to succeed in math and science, so there's still a chance I could choose that path and put my chemistry knowledge to good use.
4 comments:
Ouch. Both of your parents are doctors?
That makes me think of Albert Xiao.
Both of his parents are scientists...I can't even imagine the pressure you feel. But I do feel academic pressure, and I understand how you feel on that front. I can agree with the motivation to get a good overall GPA because of course, we want to get into good colleges. I suppose the only connection I can really make with the whole "both parents are doctors" thing is that both of my parents went to Brown University...IVY LEAGUE...so i feel some pressure to...shall we say...not go to a college like...Oakton?
I think that liking a challenge is a good thing, though, and necessary in an honors class.
:)
Jenna, I agree with what you have said about how the class itself is interesting, therefore motivitating you want to know more and understand it. You also are not alone because everyone feels pressure from their parents to do well. This is getting too long...don't have too much fun with alex this weekend, if you know what I mean...by that I mean you will be playing board games
Jenna, don't bother reading Sam's comment. He's just jealous of us. Anyways, Jenna, I think its great that you love to learn no matter what the subject is. Your quest for knowledge always makes you the most hard-working and intelligent person I know. HAGS. Don't change.
I think that you have a very good point about how you enjoy learning for the sake of learning. Often kids sit in class and complain about learning something because they claim they will never use it again in their life. Really the point of school, at least at our current level, is to engage students in a varienty of subjects so that we can truely find what we like. You have managed to escape this idea and have focused on the true values of education. Good Work.
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