Mentes motivadas: Cómo educar a tus hijos para que disfruten aprendiendo

by Kathy Seal, Kathy Seal

¿Cómo enseñar a nuestros hijos el gozo de aprender? ¿Cómo conseguir que deseen saber más? Antes, padres y educadores ofrecían premios y amenazaban con castigos. Más recientemente, se centraban en construir la autoestima, pero las últimas investigaciones demuestran que tal esfuerzo no ha producido en las aulas ningún efecto apreciable, e incluso puede favorecer que los niños desistan de aprender. Deborah Sipek y Kathy Seal, partiendo de una experiencia de muchos años y de un estudio intensivo de las investigaciones más recientes, ofrecen esta nueva guía práctica que explica cómo las relaciones con las personas mayores y los sentimientos de competencia y de autonomía despiertan en los niños las ganas de aprender. Las autoras, siempre en un tono accesible y con una gran perspicacia, nos muestran de qué forma podemos crear para nuestros hijos un entorno familiar intelectualmente enriquecedor que mejore su experiencia escolar. Ofrecen consejos prácticos sobre cómo fomentar el entusiasmo, la actitud académica arriesgada y la constancia. Y dan sugerencias realistas para abordar las cuestiones más complejas ―el elogio, las calificaciones, los premios, la competición y la insistencia en los resultados― que inevitablemente se plantean a alumnos y padres. Mentes motivadas es de lectura obligada para todo padre que quiera hacer de su hijo una persona curiosa, creativa, ambiciosa e independiente.

Genres: Parenting, Education, Nonfiction, Self Help

248 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 2001

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses on one problem with which our society is currently struggling: a lack of motivation among learners and a willingness to settle for "okay" or to take the easy route. As has been pointed out in many other publications, this bodes rather ill for the future of society--and for those who love learning, it's just downright depressing.

The authors of this book provide recommendations on fostering a love of learning from the beginning. They point out common ways we unthinkingly focus children's thoughts on performance rather than process, and they provide tips for changing children's thinking and giving opportunities for exploration. While I see the cover text that touts this as "A practical guide to ensuring your child's success in school" as a bit of a gimmick that seems to go against the message of the book, I did find the book to have helpful insights in regard to its title topic.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am constantly reading books to try to find ways to develop some level of intrinsic motivation in one of my kids. This had some good, practical suggestions of things to do (and not to do). I really liked how it made the connection between having a good, loving relationship with your child and having them feel comfortable making mistakes. My son is a perfectionist, and even though he is very smart, he often doesn't challenge himself because he is afraid to make a mistake. I liked the chapter about being born smart versus getting smart through hard work. Also the chapter about rewards and incentives. I totally agree with the idea that rewarding kids for learning takes all the fun of it away from them.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is hard for me to rate self-help books about three stars when comparing them to my usual reads. I suppose if I put it in it's proper category, I would rate it four stars. This book was recommended to me by D.J.'s teacher, and I'm glad she did. It helped me rethink how I help my children learn. How do I use incentives, how to I help or hinder their self-esteem, how do I employ tough love, how do I help them learn lessons by themselves, and so on. I read it mostly over eating breakfast and such, so I didn't take notes or anything, but it came at a good time to re-evalute some of our parenting methods for each child.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend to parents. Lots of practical strategies and examples. Loved the extra section at the back with tips on what to look our for in selecting schools.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt so pumped up when reading the first half of this book but I was slightly disappointed in the ending. I felt like Stipek became overly vague and to much of generalist. But I still did gain quite a few new tools for my parenting toolbox.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great guide to helping your kids have a positive attitude toward school. and a greatreminder that children's brains don't work like ours. it is helping me with my kindergartener and my infant.

[Desirée Spenst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book should be required reading for every parent and educator! Based on research, but easy to read!

[Randalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good rethink on how to help kids love learning and be less focused on grades and rewards and the myth of inborn intelligence.