Tapping into Students’ Motivation: Lessons from Young Adolescents’ Blogs

In an effort to use adolescents’ enthusiasm about blogging to design more effective writing experiences, Read analyzed its appeal and found that blogging satisfied two of Maslow’s “hierarchy of needs”: relatedness needs and growth needs. By studying the blogs of 6 adolescents, Read also discovered that the process of writing in blogs helps students grow as writers and improved their technology skills, even for those who have been historically reluctant to write. If blogging per se is not a viable option, at least use the lessons it teaches: Make writing assignments personal (or self-chosen), relevant, flexible. Share writing—knowing others will read or hear the work is motivation to do one’s best. Allow for rough drafts and quick feedback. In the end, writing under safe and motivating conditions can validate our middle level students.