Motivating Students to Learn Q&A Question 4

Summary

The speaker discusses the roles of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in learning. Extrinsic motivation is useful for short-term tasks, particularly when they are boring or students are unmotivated. It can initiate engagement, but the speaker emphasizes the importance of quickly transitioning to intrinsic motivation, especially for long-term learning. Intrinsic motivation fosters lifelong learning, making it essential to cultivate. Teachers may use extrinsic motivators to start a task but should encourage students to find personal, meaningful reasons to continue in order to sustain their efforts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Intrinsic motivation is seen as ideal due to its sustainability.
• 🚀 Both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation play important roles in driving behavior.
• 📚 Extrinsic motivation is particularly useful for short-term, boring tasks.
• ⏳ Extrinsic motivation supports short-term learning outcomes.
• 👩‍🏫 Teachers can use extrinsic motivation to engage students initially in tasks.
• 🎯 Once students are engaged, it is important to shift to intrinsic motivation.
• ⚙️ Extrinsic motivation can help initiate action when students are unmotivated.
• 💡 Showing students the purpose and benefits of a task can encourage them to start.
• 🏆 Intrinsic motivation is more effective for long-term learning and engagement.
• 🌱 Cultivating intrinsic motivation is key to developing lifelong learners.

Q & A

What is intrinsic motivation, and why is it considered ideal?

Intrinsic motivation is driven by internal satisfaction and interest in the task itself. It is considered ideal due to its sustainability and ability to foster long-term learning and personal growth.

How does extrinsic motivation differ from intrinsic motivation?

Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards or pressures, such as grades or praise, whereas intrinsic motivation is driven by personal satisfaction and interest in the activity itself.

When is extrinsic motivation useful?

Extrinsic motivation is useful when engaging in boring tasks or tasks with short-term outcomes. It can help initiate action when students are not motivated.

Why is extrinsic motivation only effective in the short term?

Extrinsic motivation is only effective in the short term because its effects are tied to external rewards. Once those rewards are removed, motivation often fades.

Can extrinsic motivation be used to promote intrinsic motivation?

Yes, extrinsic motivation can be used to initiate behavior, especially when students are completely unmotivated. However, it should quickly be replaced by intrinsic motivation for long-term engagement.

Why is intrinsic motivation more effective for long-term learning?

Intrinsic motivation is more effective for long-term learning because it fosters a deep personal connection to the material, encouraging lifelong learning without relying on external rewards.

What is an example of how extrinsic motivation might be introduced in a classroom?

Teachers might introduce extrinsic motivation by offering rewards or incentives to get students involved in a task, especially if they are initially unmotivated or uninterested.

What role does intrinsic motivation play in developing lifelong learners?

Intrinsic motivation is crucial for developing lifelong learners because it encourages students to learn for the sake of learning itself, fostering curiosity and continuous personal development.

How can teachers help students shift from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation?

Teachers can help students shift from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation by gradually reducing external rewards and encouraging students to find personal meaning and interest in the tasks they are engaging in.

Why is intrinsic motivation considered a skill in itself?

Intrinsic motivation is considered a skill because it involves cultivating the ability to find internal satisfaction and meaning in tasks, which can be developed over time through practice and reflection.