Performance-approach

Definition

Performance-approach is a motivational orientation where individuals aim to demonstrate their competence and achieve favorable judgments from others. This orientation emphasizes the desire to outperform peers and gain recognition for one's abilities, which can significantly influence academic self-efficacy and goal-setting processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Performance-approach orientation can lead to increased effort and engagement, as students strive to showcase their abilities in a competitive context.
2. While performance-approach can enhance motivation, it may also contribute to anxiety and fear of failure, impacting overall academic performance.
3. Students with a performance-approach mindset often set goals that focus on outperforming others, which can sometimes overshadow intrinsic motivation for learning.
4. Research indicates that performance-approach students may experience varying levels of academic self-efficacy depending on their perceived success relative to peers.
5. Educators can help balance performance-approach motivations with mastery goals to foster a more supportive learning environment.

Review Questions

• How does a performance-approach orientation influence a student's academic self-efficacy?
  • A performance-approach orientation impacts a student's academic self-efficacy by motivating them to achieve recognition and validation from peers. When students focus on outperforming others, they may feel more confident in their abilities if they are successful, which can enhance their self-efficacy. However, if they struggle or perceive themselves as falling short compared to others, it may diminish their confidence and negatively affect their belief in their capabilities.
• In what ways can educators utilize the concept of performance-approach to improve goal-setting among students?
  • Educators can leverage the concept of performance-approach by creating competitive environments that encourage students to set specific performance-based goals. By integrating opportunities for recognition and rewards based on performance, teachers can foster motivation. However, it’s essential for educators to also emphasize personal growth and mastery alongside competition, allowing students to see value in both outperforming peers and achieving personal bests.
• Evaluate the potential long-term effects of a strong performance-approach orientation on student learning outcomes and personal development.
  • A strong performance-approach orientation can lead to significant long-term effects on student learning outcomes and personal development. While it may initially drive high achievement and competitive spirit, it could foster anxiety and stress over time, particularly if students become overly fixated on comparisons with peers. This relentless pursuit of external validation may hinder intrinsic motivation for learning and personal growth. To mitigate these risks, balancing performance-based goals with mastery-oriented goals is crucial for holistic development.

Related terms

Mastery Goals: A type of goal focused on self-improvement and mastering new skills, emphasizing personal growth rather than comparison with others.

Achievement Motivation: The drive to excel and succeed in competitive situations, often influencing how individuals set and pursue their goals.

Self-Regulated Learning: The process where learners take control of their own learning by setting goals, monitoring their progress, and reflecting on their outcomes.