The plasticity of the nervous system and motivation and mindset
Mark works with Monica and Jennifer. He likes to make people laugh but often jokes about his struggles to learn new programs and technology. The company recently informed the team that there will be a compliance test on new safety policies, which employees will need to pass in order to keep their jobs. The company has provided materials to study, as well as optional practice exams. Monica, Jennifer and Mark are having lunch in the break room, and Monica and Jennifer mention that they have already signed up to take the first practice test. Mark comments about how hard it is for him to learn a different way of doing the jobs that he has been doing for years. However, later in the day, he stops by Monica's desk to find out how she is preparing for the test and asks for advice. Given that they have a month until the compliance test, Monica is confident that she can help Mark prepare. ASSIGNMENT: Using your problem solving and self and social awareness skill and the information that you have learned about the plasticity of the nervous system and motivation and mindset, answer the questions in this case study assignment to help Monica offer strategies to improve Mark's chances for doing well on the compliance test.
By reinforcing that he is in control of his own success and pushing himself to learn new skills, Mark will be more likely to take ownership of his learning process and feel confident about taking the test. Additionally, Monica can suggest breaking down larger tasks into smaller steps. This strategy gives Mark a sense of accomplishment by completing each step one-by-one rather than trying to tackle everything all at once. She can also provide tangible rewards or recognition when he completes each step or task so that he has an incentive to keep going. Using this reward system will help increase motivation by providing positive reinforcement throughout the study process.
Finally, Monica should emphasize how important it is for Mark’s future career growth that he succeeds on this test; she could remind him that mastering new knowledge and skills will open up many possibilities for career advancement in the future. This type of encouragement helps create an internal motivating force within him which may be enough motivation to push through difficult tasks during studying or practice tests leading up to the actual exam day.
By providing these strategies tailored specifically towards helping Mark prepare for success on the compliance test, Monica can ensure that her colleague feels supported and encouraged throughout this process while empowering him with necessary tools for success along the way