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What role does intrinsic motivation play in teaching and learning?

Deryl Smales

Hey,

Great question! Intrinsic motivation plays a significant role in teaching and learning. In simple terms, it refers to the inner drive that compels a person to engage in an activity or pursue a goal without external rewards like praise, bonuses, or grades. When the motivation comes from within, it fuels a person's passion and perseverance for the task, leading to a better understanding and retention of information.

In the field of education, intrinsic motivation is crucial in achieving successful outcomes for both learners and teachers. The following are some of the ways that intrinsic motivation influences teaching and learning.

First, intrinsic motivation is associated with increased creativity and innovation. When learners are motivated internally, they are more likely to experiment with different approaches to solving a problem. They are also more open to exploring new ideas and concepts, leading to novel solutions and breakthroughs. For teachers, intrinsic motivation can unleash their creative potential, inspire them to design engaging lessons and activities that capture learners' interest and maximize learning outcomes.

Secondly, intrinsic motivation enhances learners' autonomy and self-regulation skills. When learners are motivated intrinsically, they take charge of their learning, develop a sense of independence, and become self-directed. They are more likely to set their goals, monitor their progress, and seek feedback, leading to a deeper understanding of the subject matter. For teachers, intrinsic motivation can help them foster a learner-centered environment, where learners can take control of their learning and drive their own progress.

Thirdly, intrinsic motivation promotes a growth mindset. When learners have an intrinsic motivation for learning, they view challenges and obstacles as opportunities for growth and development. They embrace mistakes and failures as part of the learning process, leading to a resilient and persistent attitude to learning. For teachers, intrinsic motivation can help them foster a growth mindset in their learners, encouraging them to take risks and embrace challenges.

In conclusion, intrinsic motivation plays a vital role in teaching and learning. It enhances creativity, autonomy, self-regulation, and fosters a growth mindset in both learners and teachers. As educators, we should strive to tap into learners' intrinsic motivation to empower them to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers. Thanks for the question!