Motivation, Autonomy, and Actualization
Motivation is an inner state that energizes, directs, and sustains behaviour (Ormrod 2008). According to Ryan & Deci (2000), “to be motivated means to be moved to do something.” In other words, motivation affects behaviour as it determines how one will react towards a certain thing or topic. There are two types of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic motivation is one that involves external incentives such as rewards or punishments. A person who is extrinsically motivated by something will only be interested by it because of what they will achieve after doing it. On the other hand, intrinsic motivation is one that involves internal incentives. This means that a person who is intrinsically motivated by something has a natural interest in that topic which makes them strive and put in extra effort out of their own will in order to learn more about that topic.
Although both types of motivation can lead to learning, learning happens best when motivation is intrinsic. This again is because the student is curious about the topic which will keep them interested without having to coax them. Students need to be exposed to a wide range of activities and subjects to determine what really interests in them. This will help determine what students will want to pursue in life which will keep them, happy, interested, and motivated. This kind of attitude will make a person strive to do more and become better at what they love which is how we can get so much advancement in this world.
Although both types of motivation can lead to learning, learning happens best when motivation is intrinsic. This again is because the student is curious about the topic which will keep them interested without having to coax them. Students need to be exposed to a wide range of activities and subjects to determine what really interests in them. This will help determine what students will want to pursue in life which will keep them, happy, interested, and motivated. This kind of attitude will make a person strive to do more and become better at what they love which is how we can get so much advancement in this world.
Parents: Click on the button below for great tips on how you can motivate your child in school!
References:
Ryan, R. and Deci, E. (2000). Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation: Classic Definitions and New Directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology. 25, 54 – 67.
Ormrod, J.E. (2008). Educational Psychology Developing Learners. Uppersaddle River, NJ: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall. Pgs. 383-395.
Ryan, R. and Deci, E. (2000). Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation: Classic Definitions and New Directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology. 25, 54 – 67.
Ormrod, J.E. (2008). Educational Psychology Developing Learners. Uppersaddle River, NJ: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall. Pgs. 383-395.