Well-being programs are important in any institution and educational institutions are not an exception.
Self-determination theory is one of the theories of motivation that has been in existence for 40 years. It assumes that students, no matter their age, socioeconomic status, cultural background, and gender have growth tendencies which provide them with a foundation for high-quality engagement in the classroom. It identifies the motivational resources that students possess. It also identifies the recommendations to help teachers nurture the resources to increase student engagement. The theory also acknowledges that students can lack motivation and act irresponsibly.
Flow Theory
The idea of flow has been in existence for many years. the theory began in 1980’s and was developed by Csikszentmihalyi who became lost in their creative work and even lost track of time in the process. The flow experience is whereby; an individual is involved in what he is doing with high concentration and knows the next steps to take. It is evident in a classroom when student will be completely involved in class activities that they do lose track of time. According to Csikszentmihalyi, there are five factors that are required to achieve state flow. First of all, the task should be one that is rewarding. In order to remain focused at a task, it is important to start with something that you are passionate about. Secondly, you need to have clear goals. It is vital that you know what you are doing and where you are going. Thus, you should have a clear picture of what you want to achieve. Thirdly, the task should be clear. The flow experience involves one having clear tasks that they want to accomplish. You should also get feedback to identify areas that you need to modify. Additionally, the flow experience has to challenge your perceived skills. In order to achieve this, you should have a control over the task you are doing. Finally, you need to have complete focus on the task. One needs to be aware of their surroundings.
Evolutionary theory
Evolution changes with time and it is considered to be a development of behaviors and traits that allow people to survive.
Sternberg’s triangular theory of love
Robert Sternberg is one of the theories who has given a distinction between compassionate and passionate love. He called his theory, Sternberg’s triangular theory of love. He proposed a theory on the experience people have when they report being in love. Stenberg classified love into three components; commitment, intimacy, and passion. Passion is the motivation for romantic feelings, desire for sexual interaction and physical attraction. It is the passion that makes two people be united in love. It is like addiction since it exerts a certain craving in person. The intimacy component is all about being bonded with another person. Intimacy includes emotional closeness, sharing, and warmth. Commitment, on the other hand, is all about love’s cognitive aspect. It is the decision a person makes to love the other and maintain a relationship n matter the difficulties they face. Sternberg triangular theory provides a basis for the change from passionate to compassionate love. Passionate love subsides quickly but when it weakens couples begin to experience commitment and intimacy which then evolve into compassionate love.
Application of the theories to student well being
Flow theory and student well being
Positive psychology introduced by Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi gives an understanding of how different activities influence student lives. A student who experiences flow will be involved in an activity and nothing else will matter when they are doing that activity. They get motivated by doing that activity. In order for students to develop a maker mindset, it is vital to ensure that students are empowered to have accretive flow. It is not possible to force students to learn, it has to come from within. Thus when they follow the flow theory, they are able to concentrate on any task they set their mind upon.
Self-determination theory
The self-determination theory can be used in improving student success the classroom. Students who are involved in setting their educational goals are more likely to achieve their goals. Using the self-determination theory in schools is an excellent way to motivate students. It helps to enhance student learning and even improve the post-school outcomes. Having self-instructional programs will help students to remain active in making decisions for their education. Additionally, it assists students to be able to set goals that will help them in their education. Providing support for students are vital elements that allow students to be competent and thus increase their student determination.
Sternberg’s triangular theory of love
Sternberg’s love can be used to access the relationship of college students. It can help to identify the type of relationship that students are involved in at the university. It is vital to know the kind of relationship to be able to determine how the students relate to the college. All these theories will help in developing wellbeing program for students.
