Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic Motivation

Sometimes a student can be fascinated in a subject and are eager to learn more without outside influence or help. This kind of a situation is when there exists a large amount of intrinsic incentive to motivate a child. It is when a student enjoys an aspect of an activity enough to be motivated within. An intrinsic incentive could arise in any subject of interest such as dinosaurs, famous people, or far off places. However, topics that are learned in schools today do not arouse children since they find the information useless in their everyday lives (Slavin, 2000). The role of personal interest is crucial in a learning situation. It has been proven that a child who is intrinsically motivated tend to make use of strategies that require a larger amount of effort and that allow them to develop more intensely. They prefer tasks of higher levels than an extrinsically motivated child (Lumsden, 1994). Internal motivation is longer lasting that external motivation. When students achieve a feeling of satisfaction, learning occurs more successfully (HCC Intranet, 2001). In order to ensure students are intrinsically motivated, teachers must use certain strategies to encourage this type of learning.

Praise

One of the ways to engage children in intrinsic motivation is by praising the students for the efforts they make in the classroom and encouraging more positive learning. It is important to praise a child for small improvements along with large improvements. Some educators with high expectations forget to commend their students along the way as they progressively achieve the desired goal (Palardy, 1997). Praise does not necessarily mean tangible rewards. It is more of a pat on the back, a positive ...

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... learn. ERIC Digest, 92. Retrieved November 5, 2001 from http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content2/Student_Motivation.htm.

-The article talks about what influences student motivation and the advantages of it. It offers intrinsic ideas to help develop student motivation. Also explains why children are unmotivated.

Cooper, H. (2001, April). Homework for all-in moderation. Educational Leadershiip, 58,pp. 34-38.

-Explains the advantages and disadvantages of homework, and if it works. This relates to motivation. Teachers use homework at times to motivate their students.

Palardy, J. (1997, March). 15 strategies for motivating students. NAESP. Retrieved November 2, 2001 from http://www.naesp.org/comm/p0397b.htm.

-Lists fifteen strageties to use in a classroom to help motivate children. After each suggestion, a detailed description is given.