Step 1: Define the problem Tim Richard is trying to address. Step 2: Identify the causes. What OB concepts or theories are consistent with Richards motivational program? Step 3: Make recommendations for fixing the problem. Do you agree with Richards approach to improving student performance? Why or why not?

A High School Principal Uses Principles of Expectancy Theory to Motivate Students

Tim Richard, principal at Westwood High School, decided to use a motivational program he called Celebration to improve the grades of 1,200 students who were failing one or more courses. The school has a total of 3,000 students.

How Does the Program Work? Students are allowed to go outside and have fun with their friends for 28 minutes on four mornings a week, the principal explained to the local newspaper. But those who have even one F must stay inside for remediation 28 minutes of extra study, help from peers, or meetings with teachers. Richard, who successfully implemented the program at a smaller high school, believes the key to motivating students is to link a highly valued reward socializing with friends outside with grades. Socializing includes playing organized games, dancing and listening to music, eating snacks, and just plain hanging out. Results suggest the program is working.

Positive results were found within two to three months of the motivation programs start. The number of students with failing grades dropped to 900. The principals goal is to achieve zero failing grades by the end of the year.

What Is the Student Reaction? Students like the program. Ivana Baltazar, a 17-year-old senior, said, You really appreciate Celebration after you have been in remediation. She raised an F in economics to a B after receiving help. Good academic students like Joseph Leung also like the program. Leung is a helper to students with failing grades. He believes that the tricky part is getting people out of the mind-set that they cant succeed. A lot of times they just havent done their homework. I try to help them understand that the difference between a person passing and failing is their work ethic.