Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation with Students

Motivating students, both inside and out of the classroom can sometimes be overwhelming, as it can take many aspects for a student to be engaged and actively participating. Based on this week's learning key on fragile interest, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation were discussed. Intrinsic, which are things that are within you that make you want to do things, while extrinsic, are things that are outside of you to artificially get you to do things. It is important as a teacher candidate, to have strategies on how to sustain student's interests, rewards and how to engage them throughout their learning.

 

I found an article, that discusses classroom ideas and is beneficial to both teachers and teacher candidates. It discusses an understanding of having intrinsic and extrinsic motivations inside the classroom, available to all students. If students are not engaged, they are not motivated and not learning anything. Growing up, if I found myself spaced out or daydreaming, it was because I wasn't intrigued or engaged in what was in front of me. Although not everything will be engaging for students in life, it is important to find ways to motivate them and inspire them to want to engage in their learning. I remember in grade 7, I had a teacher that would have different concepts every single for students to be engaged, which resulted in me loving to learn with her in the classroom, as it was a fun learning experience.

The article also discusses that it is important that there is a right balance, children might get overwhelmed with too many extrinsic motivations or vice versa, so it is important to know how students are motivated, in their own individual way. In order to do so, it is important to truly know your students and their individual needs. By doing so, you are not only able to motivate them, but make accommodations and modifications for them, based on what is being presented to them. Students are always curious, so it is engaging to use their interest and inquiries and adapt them to their learning and lesson plans. This can result in them making connections and wanting to be active participants in their learning in a very powerful way.

 

There are many tips and tricks that teachers can use in the classroom to motivate their students. This website shows great ideas and explains each in full detail!

 

https://www.weareteachers.com/understanding-intrinsic-vs-extrinsic-motivation-in-the-classroom/

 

Courtesy of Sofia@NU