Chapter 5 and "Vision of the future"

Chapter five discusses "Vision of the Future and Possible Selves" (Alderman 2004). Under this heading, the author explains three sub-categories including: How important is the vision of the future for motivation?, How are possible selves developed?, and finally Helping students develop a vision of the future. In this section, Marcus and Nurius address the idea of possible selves. Possible selves "are how we think about ourselves and the future" (Alderman 2004). Students who have a positive view and concept surrounding their future are setting themselves up for success, while students who believe they will not reach success, or are afraid of the future are less likely to reach their potential. I strongly feel this idea is something that instructors need to focus on with their students. Students not only need to be nurtured in the field of learning, but in the area of focusing on their futures and their potential.

Sub-heading number one discusses the importance of holding a vision for the future. Borkowski and Thorpe, 1994 and Marcus and Nurius, 1986 state that holding a self vision and the future, "sets planning in motion and acts as an incentive for present behavior" (Alderman 2004). I could not agree more. If we help our students set clear and attainable goals for their future it not only shows that we will be their to support their goals, but it additionally gives them something to shoot for.

Heading number two addresses how possible selves are developed. Possible selves are developed in several ways. First, interaction with social environment. How we work with others and how those individuals inspire us directly correlates with our self perception. Personally, I grew up in a community where college was the only option post high school. All of my classmates discussed where they would be in five years and all of those descriptions included a career, family, and education. Directly, I was inspired and driven by those around me. Second, self -efficacy judgment contributes to self development. In my past I struggled in school and I believed that I would not be a successful teacher; however, as my first career continued I began to realize that perhaps my struggles in school would make me a better teacher. Had I solely gone on my instinct to past experiences I would never have returned to school to pursue my passion.

The third heading discussed is how we help students develop a vision for the future. One of the best ways that I believe we can help our students with a vision is first by helping them set a vision, put it in writing, and working with them to write steps to accomplish those goals. We can begin on a small level with in the classroom, then once class accomplishments have been worked on, we can expand into large life goals. Students need to feel success along the way so that they can stay focused on their large goals.