Motivation

Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and how teachers build it.

Teaching Aptitude5 questions
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Kinds of motivation

  • Intrinsic: from inside: curiosity, interest, satisfaction.
  • Extrinsic: from outside: marks, rewards, praise, avoiding punishment.

Theories

  • Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: physiological → safety → love/belonging → esteem → self-actualisation. Hungry or frightened children cannot focus on learning.
  • Achievement motivation (McClelland): the drive to succeed.

In the classroom

Set achievable goals, give specific praise for effort, connect learning to real life, give choices and create a safe environment.

Practice questions

A student reads books because she enjoys them, not for marks. This is:Easy
In Maslow’s hierarchy, which need is at the top?Easy
According to Maslow, a hungry child struggles to learn because:Medium
Which teacher action best builds intrinsic motivation?Medium
Praise is most effective when it is:Medium
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