2. When students find intrinsic value in a lesson or activity, they are immediately more likely to succeed, and to be happy when dealing with said lesson or activity. They are pursuing their education for their own enjoyment. This is probably the most logical concept we have studied, and one I take a particular interest in. When one enjoys an activity, they generally choose to participate in that activity more. With regards to academics, this can only mean that the student will become more knowledgeable and intelligent in that area, and will therefore succeed in whatever academic task they must complete dealing with the topic they enjoy. This is why I try SO HARD to really pay attention in all of my classes (and always have! key word: tried) ...if I discover that I am really intrigued and interested in a topic, studying for and learning about the topic will be so much easier! Oh, and I would be having fun (if i really did like the topic!) Sometimes, when dealing with a topic I'm not in love with, I can still feel the acidic intrinsic motivation. This basically means that the topic is challenging or applicable enough to make me want to do well at it.
Extrinsic motivation can be very effective, as well. None of us are capable of truly loving every single topic. Therefore, in order to maintain success across the board, and not just in the subjects we love, we must receive a bit of motivation. Whether it's $20 from your parents for every A, or the fact that your resume will say 4.0, we need some extra push sometimes and that's ok!
3. Teachers have definitely had an impact on what I find intrinsically valuable, and therefore, what makes me intrinsically motivated. My high school choir director is the reason I am majoring in choral education. I already loved music, that is for sure. But seeing her love her job so much, and feeling the effect of her passion has made me more passionate. As future teachers, it is our duty to really believe in our subject. We don't have to think it's the most wonderful thing in the world! But we do have to truly appreciate and understand the application of the subject, so that our students pick up on that and can identify with that side of it as well. Then, we have a chance that at least a handful of students that might end up actually LOVING the topic and who knows? They might end up being teachers too!
I agree with your second paragraph; extrinsic motivation can be effective! I feel like it often gets a bad wrap, but you make a valid point. No one can really be intrinsically motivated to do everything that will eventually benefit them. In high school, I know I didn't love each of my subjects, and I can't say that I tried hard in math for math's sake. But I think getting good grades and possible college credit were an extrinsic form of motivation that was beneficial in the end, and was the reason that I put forth effort in math.
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