I always thought that intrinsic motivation was a very simple definition. But after reading the modules I realize that it is a lot more complex than I imagined it would be. I also find it interesting how elementary students are so much more likely to participate in activities for intrinsic reasons than older students.
I think in more cases than not, intrinsic motivation is more beneficial and appropriate. It is beneficial because students will put more effort into learning a concept or practicing a skill because they have personal reasons for doing so. Because students want to learn and enjoy doing so, they will actually learn material instead of just cramming for it, or faking it.
As a choir director, I have a unique opportunity to encourage intrinsic motivation in a different way than academic teachers can. For my subject, the students are creating their own finished product. I can stand in front of my choir and wave my hands around all I want, but it is they that control the actual sound that comes out during a performance. I will have to let them know this, and hopeful put the locus of control in my students. By doing this and setting mastery-oriented goals, I believe that I can create a communal sense of achievement in my students that will encourage intrinsic motivation. I know that in high school, I felt very invested in choir and felt as though each of my classmates and I were an integral part in the final product, and I think this is why I found it to be a very fulfilling activity.
As a guess, I think the reason for more intrinsic motivation in younger students may be due to lower pressure, but also that they haven't been in school very long, and it's true that many aspects of education have extrinsic motivation build into them with grades. Once the students start to rely upon grades to rate their progress, I imagine some kind of shift would happen.... It's important to understand that the curiosity or interest does not change as students get older. I'm sure it's not true that middle schoolers are somehow less curious than 5 year olds.
ReplyDeleteIt may be true as you say that students put more effort into learning and learn more with intrinsic motivation. If something is personally meaningful, they will form more connections between the new material and old material (which we know increases retention) than if they are just 'cramming'.
I really enjoyed your post. I think it is interesting that you found intrinsic motivation to be quite complex as well. I felt that compared to extrinsic motivation, that intrinsic best motivates elementary-age students. They are more curious about learning, without being rewarded with something. I think students in high school and middle school are more extrinsically motivated compared to elementary students.
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