Foundations of Education and Instructional Assessment/Edition 3/Assessment Table of Contents/Assessment Chapter 1/A1.1.1
From Wikibooks, the open-content textbooks collection
Locus of Control
by
Evonx002
Contents |
[edit] Learning Target
-Readers should be able to describe what the locus of control is.
-Readers should be able to distinguish between internal and external locus of control.
|
Find out whether you have an internal or external locus of control. |
[edit] What is a locus of control?
A locus of control is an idea that Julian Rotter, a psychologist, thought of in the 1950s. The locus of control is a measurement of how much control you believe you have on your own life. An internal locus of control means that you do believe that you control your life. An external locus of control is when you believe that external forces control your life and you have little or nothing to do with the outcome. Even though someone can be labeled as internal or external, the locus of control is more of a continuum. As in that someone could be predominately internal, but still have some external qualities. (Grantz) “Many – but not all – psychologists believe that internals are psychologically more healthy than externals” (Gershaw)
|
This example shows how locus of control is used in hiring employees. Some people are biased and would prefer those people with an internal locus of control. As this article said, those with an internal locus of control will examine themselves for any flaws instead of pointing out others. These people will learn faster because they know that their progress depends on the quality of their work. This article explains briefly and shows the differences between internal and external locus of control. |
[edit] How does this apply in education?
Have you ever heard a student blame the teacher for the bad grade he or she got? You probably have. In fact, you might have even done so when you were a student. Students may feel that he or she has no control over the grade he or she gets. Instead of thinking that he or she should study more, the student gives excuses for his or her bad grade. The student may think that the teacher is biased and will grade students that he or she likes higher than those who act out in class. Students may also feel that the teacher randomly hands out grades. These students have an external locus of control. (Grantz)
This external locus of control can impact the student’s grades. Students with an external locus of control are less likely to study because they feel that their grade is determined by luck. They are more likely to lower their standards after being praised. However after a failure, the same student will raise his or her expectations. This sort of thinking can lead to depression and learned helplessness when the student continues to have multiple failures. Students with an external locus of control are likely to have low socioeconomic status. The reason for this may be that these people feel that they have less of an impact on the world. (Gershaw)
Having an internal locus of control can also affect the student’s grades. If a student does believe that he or she is in charge of the grade they receive, then the student will study longer in order to receive a better grade. Students with an internal locus of control have better study skills overall, because they generally put more effort into their work. (Gershaw)
[edit] Is it possible to change your locus of control?
There is a way to change your locus of control. In order to become more internal, students should think positive. Instead of giving up hope and blaming others, think about the things you are doing right and relate that to your own effort. Remember that you were taught “In order to become more external, students need to think about what influences their grade besides their own effort. (Grantz)
[edit] Conclusion
Most psychologists believe that having an internal locus of control is better for everyone. Those with an external locus of control can change to internal with some positive thinking. Teachers should try to enforce the idea that the student is the one who determines the grade. It is the student’s knowledge that is being tested. Teachers should try to grade without bias and be able to tell the student why something was marked incorrect.
[edit] Sources
Gershaw, David A., PhD (1989). Locus of Control. Retrieved July 13, 2008 from http://virgil.azwestern.edu/~dag/lol/ControlLocus.html
Grantz, Mandy (1999). Do You Have the Power to Succeed? Locus of Control and Its Impact on Education. Retrieved July 13, 2008 from http://www.units.muohio.edu/psybersite/control/education.shtml
[edit] Questions
1. What is a locus of control?
A) It is a measurement of anxiety a student feels.
B) It is someone's belief about who has control over his or her own life.
C) It is a measurement of how much control something has over you.
D) It is a measurement of how much control you have over something.
2. Why does a student with an internal locus of control generally do better in class?
A) The student studies more.
B) The student is more competitive.
C) The student is liked by the teacher.
D) This student does not do better than the external student.
3. Why do you think students with an external locus of control are prone to depression?
A) They do not see how their life can change from the path it is on.
B) They are normally negative people.
C) They come from a low socioeconomic status and therefore do not have the means for psychological counseling.
D) They are not praised as much as the internal student.
4. Nathaniel blames his teacher's harsh grading when he gets a bad grade on test. Even though he does this, he still knows that he needed to study more on the test. What kind of locus of control does Nathaniel have?
A) Internal
B) External
C) Both A and B
D) Neither
5. Ms. Granger wants to help her students that have an external locus of control. What would be the best way to do so?
A) She should tell her students there is no such thing as luck.
B) She should praise her students' work more often.
C) She should add points to her students with an external locus of control.
D) She should use a detailed rubric for assignments.
[edit] Answers
1.B 2.A 3.A 4.C 5.D
