just watched michigan state beat uconn. is michigan state really better than uconn? i think not. michigan state was simply more motivated to get the job done. what is motivation? it the mental vibe that gets us up and keeps us moving toward a desired goal; it is the reason for our action; it is that which gives purpose and direction to our behavior; motivation is key to doing anything. my,now forever late, mentor prof. kodjoe would say, “anyone can do anything with enough time, motivation and help”. it is this spirit that must guide us when we participate in the business of teahing african american youth. of course this is complicated. how do i as a teacher discern, tap into the psychology that causes an individual to move in a particular direction? how do i know, a priori, their strengths and the elements of their curiosity? you can’t. so what to do? as a start, i suggest that you bring expertise and enthusiasm to the game. this might seem a small thing but expertise and energy will go a long way to alleviating the deadening effects of economic insecurity, poor housing, unsafe neighborhoods, and negative peer influences that often times overwhelm our young people and serve as obstacles to educational motivation. observe well the the beauty, the expertise and the intelligence displayed by the the young on the basketball court,and understand clearly that this is the result of serious effort and energy directed at this task. this is what we need to tap into as a community and we can start by simply raising our own game and our own energy. go villanova. more to come. be well.
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