The Psychology of Student Motivation
The term motivation is derived from the Latin word ‘Movere‘, which literally means keep moving on. Motivation is considered the reason behind acting or behaving in a certain way. Motivation is pivotal for students as it drives their interest towards learning and accomplishing. Motivation brings a goal-oriented focus, which is crucial for students to achieve their learning goals. It is observed that motivated students have longer attention spans, show resilience, harness their curiosity and show more respect to their work and fulfil tasks on time. Motivation plays a significant role in education, and teachers and educational experts use many theories to increase student’s motivation to become better learners.
Intrinsic Motivation in Education
Intrinsic motivation can be described as an inherent willingness to learn. It is observed that students who are intrinsically motivated to learn are better and efficient learners in the classroom. Intrinsic learners do not require a reward or external sanctions to learn. Their innate curiosity drives them to understand better and faster. It is often seen that intrinsic motivation is a potent precursor of academic achievements. Intrinsically motivated students are more likely to be curious, take initiative and persist in learning.
Extrinsic Motivation
Teachers and educational experts use extrinsic motivation to develop intrinsic motivation for learning. Extrinsic motivation is described as performing a task to gain something different from the task itself. Extrinsic motivation is when a student is motivated to learn to earn a reward or avoid punishment. Extrinsic motivation includes grades, appreciation or tangible rewards. However, extrinsic motivation is not an effective long-term strategy; if intrinsic motivation is missing, the students may lose interest in learning or become highly dependent on external stimuli alone. It is imperative that students find learning vital as it will have the same effect as intrinsic motivation.
Inculcating Growth Mindset
Education is a constant learning curve instead of a linear process. Students with a growth mindset continually develop and refine their thinking. They are not crushed by learning challenges; they take challenges as opportunities to grow and excel. However, students with fixed mindsets will be fixated on failure. They get crushed under learning challenges and may break down in the face of adversity. Educators must help students to inculcate a growth mindset. To teach a growth mindset, educators must praise students for their process and acknowledge their hard work, focus and efforts.
Create a healthy learning environment
Creating a healthy learning environment and providing high-quality education build students’ motivation. Education institutes must have a strong behaviour policy to promote students’ wellbeing. Educators must help students develop social skills to become loving, caring, supportive and empathetic of one another and develop a strong peer-to-peer relationship. Create a routine in the class so that students know what to expect. The routines help students to involve easily in class discussion and class activities. Routines create a certainty which allows students to stay calm and remove anxiety.
Acknowledge Student’s Efforts
Any form of learning requires effort, skill and focus. It is pivotal that educators appreciate students where they deserve it. When students are appreciated, they feel proficient and become curious about the next aspect of learning. Acknowledging success empowers students and builds confidence in understanding future learning challenges. Appreciation and recognition make us feel good. It helps boost student’s morale, self-esteem and self-worth.
Motivation is essential for students to perform and exceed in academic achievements. Creating a growth mindset is another effective way to motivate students. A growth mindset helps students to navigate any hurdles successfully and transform them into opportunities for success. Embracing a healthy learning environment creates support and encourages healthy peer-to-peer relationships. It is pivotal to acknowledge student’s efforts and appreciate their success.
