Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is the behavior that is driven by internal rewards. Its a behavior that arises from within and is very important in the classroom. Students should do (or not do) something because of the extrinsic reward or consequence. I do believe there is a place for rewards in the classroom, but, teaching students to feel good about what and how they do should come before getting an external reward. Here are a couple ways to tap into intrinsic motivation, that encourages students to want to learn.
1. Let students choose what they learn: If a student wants to learn about a specific animal, let their interests drive their learning. Learning is most effective in students who believe what they are learning is meaningful. Choice also plays a role in intrinsic motivation. If a student has a choice in what and how they learn, they will retain the information far longer. Choosing which animal to do a research paper on and how students will present what they have learned to their peers will entice students to do their best.
2. Allow students to self-assess their work: No one wants to do poorly. By allowing students to assess their own work, they are able to feel successful or identify how they can do better. Self-assessing without grading omits the extrinsic motivation to do well. Having students assess themselves on their work is important to build a sense of "A job well done", but still places the responsibility of learning on the student.
3. Community Service: Community service is an important part of a positive classroom community and it builds intrinsic motivation. Service projects teach students to care about others and their environment. When students feel like a part of a team that helps one another, its interesting and satisfying to make a difference in the world.
1. Let students choose what they learn: If a student wants to learn about a specific animal, let their interests drive their learning. Learning is most effective in students who believe what they are learning is meaningful. Choice also plays a role in intrinsic motivation. If a student has a choice in what and how they learn, they will retain the information far longer. Choosing which animal to do a research paper on and how students will present what they have learned to their peers will entice students to do their best.
2. Allow students to self-assess their work: No one wants to do poorly. By allowing students to assess their own work, they are able to feel successful or identify how they can do better. Self-assessing without grading omits the extrinsic motivation to do well. Having students assess themselves on their work is important to build a sense of "A job well done", but still places the responsibility of learning on the student.
3. Community Service: Community service is an important part of a positive classroom community and it builds intrinsic motivation. Service projects teach students to care about others and their environment. When students feel like a part of a team that helps one another, its interesting and satisfying to make a difference in the world.