1. In J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, schoolmaster Albus Dumbledore says, "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." How do you interpret this statement in light of what you know about motivation?
I think this statement contains so much wisdom. One’s character – which is made up of individual choices – defines who the person is more than how much he can do in life because of his abilities. For instance, a person may be very skilled in the use of technology. He is so adept in creating programs that can make work and studies more efficient. These creative abilities of him make him always called for by others asking his help in their own work systems. But sadly, he chooses to keep his abilities to benefit himself alone. Therefore, he chooses to shun away from others, become arrogant to them, and turn to his selfish mode. The selfish choices that this guy makes define his character, define who he really is.
What will he do with all his creations if he chooses to keep others away? This I believe is the wise lesson that Dumbledore wishes Harry Potter to learn.
2. How might Maslow’s hierarchy come into play in an economically diverse classroom?
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can be witnessed in a classroom with students coming from economically diverse backgrounds. The teacher has to be aware of the varied levels of needs of his students and respond accordingly. In such a diverse classroom, he must o be surprised that there may be some students who are not able to focus on the lesson because they are hungry while all the rest of the class are actively participating and fully engaged in the classroom activities. The teacher must therefore be aware of the personal and family background of the students for him to understand the consequent behaviours of each student.
