Define Extrinsic & Intrinsic Motivation Education

Extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation are two opposing models used by educators for motivating students. Extrinsic motivation relies mainly on rewards and punishments, while intrinsic motivation seeks to engage students and give them greater control.

Extrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic motivation uses outside motivators, typically rewards or punishments, to encourage students to succeed.

Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation seeks to inspire students to engage in learning. This means fostering an interest in the subject at hand, and making the subject relevant to the student.

Strategies for Motivation

Strategies for extrinsic motivation are straightforward: the promise of money, high grades, scholarships or praise. Intrinsic motivation strategies include engaging activities, encouragement and increased academic freedom.

Benefits

Extrinsic motivation has the capacity to elicit very quick results. Intrinsic motivation helps students to learn for the sake of learning, and has significant long-term impacts on academic achievement.

Criticism of Extrinsic Motivation

Many teachers criticize extrinsic motivation for not encouraging long-term motivation. Some also feel that rewards and punishments cause resentment toward educators.

References

• Vanderbilt Center for Teaching: Motivating Students
• University of Michigan: Motivation for High Stakes Testing: Extrinsic Motivation
• University of Michigan: Motivation for High Stakes Testing: Intrinsic Motivation