“Cultivating Intrinsic Motivation and Creativity in the Classroom” | Beth Hennessey | TEDxSausalito

Summary

In this insightful talk, a former elementary school teacher turned psychology professor discusses the decline of creativity and intrinsic motivation in children as they progress through school. Drawing on decades of research, she identifies six key factors that undermine motivation and creativity, primarily linked to extrinsic rewards and evaluations. Advocating for child-centered classrooms, she emphasizes the importance of providing students with time, freedom, and opportunities to explore challenges, fail, and persevere. Ultimately, she calls for educators and policymakers to foster environments that nurture intrinsic motivation and creativity, essential for preparing students for an uncertain future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Intrinsic motivation is essential for fostering creativity in students.
• 😀 Extrinsic rewards can negatively impact students' willingness to take risks and be creative.
• 😀 Many students start school with high motivation and creativity, which declines over time.
• 😀 The six major factors that kill motivation include expected rewards, evaluations, restricted choices, time constraints, surveillance, and competition.
• 😀 Historical educational practices have shifted towards standardized testing, which often stifles creativity.
• 😀 Teachers need to understand the importance of nurturing intrinsic motivation rather than relying on extrinsic incentives.
• 😀 Children require time in the classroom to engage with difficult problems and learn from failures.
• 😀 Collaborative work and exploration should be prioritized to enhance creativity and problem-solving skills.
• 😀 There is a need for systemic change in education to create environments that value creativity and intrinsic motivation.
• 😀 Faith in children's curiosity and drive is essential to construct supportive learning experiences.

Q & A

What motivated the speaker to transition from teaching to research in psychology?

The speaker became increasingly concerned about the decline in students' motivation and creativity as they progressed through grades, prompting a desire to understand and address this issue through further education and research.

How does intrinsic motivation relate to creativity according to the speaker?

Intrinsic motivation, which comes from the enjoyment and satisfaction of the task itself, is essential for fostering creativity, while extrinsic motivation, such as rewards or evaluations, tends to stifle it.

What are some examples of extrinsic motivation that can hinder creativity?

Examples include offering rewards for tasks, expecting evaluations, restricting choices, imposing time limits, and monitoring students closely, all of which can diminish their creative output.

What does the speaker suggest about the role of standardized testing in education?

The speaker argues that the current focus on standardized testing in education can undermine intrinsic motivation and creativity, as it encourages teaching to the test rather than fostering a genuine love for learning.

What historical figures does the speaker reference in relation to child-centered education?

The speaker mentions John Dewey, who advocated for child-centered classrooms, and the open circle movement of the 1960s and 70s as early efforts to prioritize student engagement and intrinsic motivation.

What is the recommended approach to improve student creativity in classrooms?

The speaker recommends allowing students ample time to engage with complex problems, experiment, fail, and learn from their experiences, thereby fostering resilience and creativity.

What are the six methods identified that kill motivation and creativity?

The six methods include promising rewards, expecting evaluations, restricting choices, limiting time, surveillance, and introducing competition.

How does the speaker believe classrooms can be transformed to enhance creativity?

The speaker advocates for creating environments that nurture curiosity and intrinsic motivation, allowing students the freedom to explore and innovate without the constraints of external pressures.

Why is intrinsic motivation considered ephemeral?

Intrinsic motivation is deemed ephemeral because it can fluctuate based on situational factors and is easily diminished by external pressures or expectations.

What final message does the speaker convey regarding education and creativity?

The speaker emphasizes that educators, parents, and policymakers must value and actively support creativity in education, trusting in children's natural curiosity and intrinsic motivation to foster meaningful learning experiences.