Developing Students' Potentials

The foundation for this publication was a workshop at The University of Michigan which put together three programs in the area of psychological education. These three group approaches, documented by research, are presented. The first approach assists people, through achievement motivation training, to be more effective in reaching their goals. Some ingredients of such a program include measuring achievement thinking, learning achievement thoughts and action strategies, experiencing achievement thinking, and practicing achievement strategies through goal setting. The second approach, human potential training, helps people to expand their goals and to realize more fully, their potentials. Because it focuses on positive characteristics, this approach is particularly suitable for the public school setting. The third approach, elimination of self defeating behaviors (SDB) helps people rid themselves of behaviors detrimental to achieving full potential. A unique feature of SDB groups is strong direction provided by the leader. Some guidelines for implementing the three programs are offered, and two appendices are included. Appendix A provides references covering group approaches and special problems. Appendix B, a Guide to Career Goal Accomplishment, indicates ways in which achievement motivation research and training can be related to career development planning and exploration. (EAK)