Intrinsic Motivation

Definition

Intrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, arising from internal rewards such as personal satisfaction, curiosity, or a sense of accomplishment. This type of motivation is essential in educational settings, as it influences how students approach learning, set goals, and engage with material.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intrinsic motivation fosters deeper engagement in learning as students are more likely to pursue knowledge for personal satisfaction rather than for grades or rewards.
2. Students who are intrinsically motivated tend to exhibit higher levels of creativity and critical thinking because they explore topics they genuinely find interesting.
3. Research indicates that when educators create a supportive and autonomy-granting environment, intrinsic motivation can flourish among students.
4. Feedback focused on effort and personal growth rather than solely on grades can enhance students' intrinsic motivation.
5. Intrinsic motivation is linked to greater persistence in learning tasks, leading to better academic outcomes over time.

Review Questions

• How does intrinsic motivation influence students' approaches to learning and goal setting?
  • Intrinsic motivation encourages students to engage deeply with the material because they find personal value and enjoyment in the process. This leads them to set meaningful goals that align with their interests and passions. As a result, intrinsically motivated students are more likely to embrace challenges and persist through difficulties since they derive satisfaction from the learning experience itself.
• Discuss the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in the context of educational psychology.
  • Intrinsic motivation stems from internal desires such as curiosity and satisfaction, while extrinsic motivation relies on external rewards like grades or recognition. In educational psychology, understanding these differences is crucial because intrinsically motivated students tend to engage more deeply with learning materials and achieve better outcomes. Conversely, extrinsic rewards can sometimes undermine intrinsic motivation if not used carefully, making it essential for educators to balance both types effectively.
• Evaluate strategies teachers can implement to enhance intrinsic motivation among students and their potential impacts on student engagement.
  • Teachers can enhance intrinsic motivation by fostering a supportive classroom environment that emphasizes autonomy, relevance, and competence. Strategies such as allowing students to choose projects based on their interests, providing constructive feedback focused on effort and improvement, and connecting lessons to real-world applications can all boost intrinsic motivation. When students feel empowered and engaged in their learning process, they are more likely to participate actively and invest time and effort into their studies, leading to improved academic performance.

Related terms

Extrinsic Motivation:

Extrinsic motivation involves engaging in a behavior or activity to earn external rewards or avoid negative outcomes, such as grades, praise, or recognition.

Self-Determination Theory: Self-Determination Theory posits that people are most motivated when they feel autonomous, competent, and connected to others, highlighting the importance of intrinsic motivation in personal growth and well-being.

Task Value: Task value refers to the perceived importance or usefulness of a task to an individual, which significantly influences their intrinsic motivation to engage with that task.