Change Behavior

Image from Wix

Jeni Cross speaks of the three myths of behavior change which are:

1. Education will change behavior

2. You need to change attitudes to change behaviors 

3. People know what motivated them to take action

I believe that when it comes down to it, common sense is not enough to inspire change. Thinking logically even when we show it just as she did with the two images is not enough to change behaviors. It was surprising when she revealed that most people were influenced to change not because of the image showing the amount of garbage that is thrown out, but instead by the image of someone known showing the desired behavior. Yet if we think about it, it makes sense. One of the six sources of influence is Social Motivation, I believe this also connects with Dr. Cross’ recommendations to achieve change. Shown by the images and unfortunately the “norm” of dropping out of school, social norms can have significant influence on the population.  

I believe I can use the six sources of influence to influence change with my plan by using personal motivation for students. My plan includes implementing blended learning in the classroom to develop/improve students’ writing skills and typing skills in order to better prepare them for state exams and their future academic careers in high school and beyond. Part of this blended learning will be an independent station where students will be working on a typing program where they will be able to monitor their progress. Students are motivated to reach the “end” or be the best in the class. In this particular situation, I had students work on a similar typing program in which they were very motivated after watching myself type without looking down at the keys, this interested them enough in wanting to learn to do the same. By doing this we already have a shift in their attitude, students want to learn these skills without even realizing it is something they will use in the future. The way the program is presented is also different from the typical lecture and exit ticket that students are used to. By adding this engaging factor along with technology, I believe students will be motivated to succeed in the blended learning environment. 

Patterson, K., & Grenny, J. (2013). Influencer: The new science of leading change, Second Edition. McGraw-Hill Education.

TEDx, T. (2011). Three Myths of Behavior Change - What You Think You Know That You Do not: Jeni Cross at TEDxCSU. Youtube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5d8GW6GdR0