Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is learning for the joy of learning. Learning new things is just so cool for these kids they don’t need other types of motivation. We have all seen the sparkling eyes of a child who cannot wait to learn more about a subject, investigate an interest, or seek the answer to a challenging question. It is the obligation of parents and educators to keep that spark alive.
As Parents
Take time to evaluate the degree to which you support intrinsic motivation. Ask yourself the following questions.
Do I discuss what I enjoyed about education, how it enriched my life? Or, do I simply tell my child that it is important to get a good education so he can get a job one day? (DO NOT underestimate how powerful a motivator the joy of learning can be.)
Do I share what I find to be interesting or exciting about the units my child studies at school? Or, do I simply ask what grades she got or whether my she behaved well?
Do I take time to remark on the academic skills he has acquired?
Investigate Further
As Parents
Take time to evaluate the degree to which you support intrinsic motivation. Ask yourself the following questions.
Do I discuss what I enjoyed about education, how it enriched my life? Or, do I simply tell my child that it is important to get a good education so he can get a job one day? (DO NOT underestimate how powerful a motivator the joy of learning can be.)
Do I share what I find to be interesting or exciting about the units my child studies at school? Or, do I simply ask what grades she got or whether my she behaved well?
Do I take time to remark on the academic skills he has acquired?
Investigate Further
Once concern that may arise is that a child is intrinsically motivated for one subject area but not another. When it does not develop naturally, it can sometimes be challenging to help your child develop an intrinsic interest in a domain. This situation is portrayed in the Intrinsic Motivation video by students at Kemps Landing/Old Donation School. Watching the video may give you some insights into how to open a discussion with your child if this is a concern.
Another concern is that an intrinsically motivated student may become fascinated by some component of a topic and investigate it fully to the exclusion of completing the assignment as determined by the teacher. If you have concerns about your intrinsically motivated child you can choose to go deeper into your exploration by opening the link above. |
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Steven Reiss, a professor of psychiatry at Ohio State University, has done an extensive study of the sixteen basic desires that spark intrinsic motivation. You can read a review of his book on this subject by following the link above. The review actually provides a very good synopsis of the theory behind the sixteen basic desires.
References
Grabmeier, J. (2000). New theory of motivation lists 16 basic desires that guide us. Retreived form the Ohio State University Online Web site: http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/whoami.htm
Foundation for Critical Thinking. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/index-of-articles/1021/
Reis, S. (2000). Who Am I? The 16 Basic Desires That Motivate Our Action and Define Our Personalities. Tarcher/Putnam, New York, NY.
Siegle, D., McCoach, D.B., Greene, M, & Reis, S. (2000). Making a difference: strategies to increase student motivation and academic achievement. Retrieved from: http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/Siegle/NRCGTUnderachievementStudy.htm
Foundation for Critical Thinking. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/index-of-articles/1021/
Reis, S. (2000). Who Am I? The 16 Basic Desires That Motivate Our Action and Define Our Personalities. Tarcher/Putnam, New York, NY.
Siegle, D., McCoach, D.B., Greene, M, & Reis, S. (2000). Making a difference: strategies to increase student motivation and academic achievement. Retrieved from: http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/Siegle/NRCGTUnderachievementStudy.htm