Learning using Intrinsic motivation is important, but I think that sometimes as a teacher you need to be sneaky in order for it to be intrinsic for the learner to want to participate. Now that it is summer I have decided that it is time to potty train X, our 2 year old boy. I don't care what any book tells you about potty training, a kid is going to figure it out when he is intrinsically motivated. You can use all of the extrinsic motivation you want with some success, but ultimately they need to see the value in using the restroom before they will commit to the process. I have been lucky so far, because it is apparent that he is ready for the change. He wants to be big like his brothers and not go the bathroom in his pants. Sure he has had some accidents, but he is moving in the right direction with the right motivation.
As teachers, we need to take a more active roll in finding the intrinsic route. I think sometimes too often we rely on the extrinsic motivation techniques because they get instant results, but like Malone discussed, once it is gone they will not see a need to do it again.
I think we also forget that all students don't think our subject matter is as cool or interesting as we think it is. In order to grab their interest we need to teach to their level and understand their perceptions of the subject.
Being a teacher never stops, it even follows us into the summer vacation! I agree, with the proper motivation anyone can do anything, but it should be intrinsic not extrinsic motivation. Your story about X made me think of my own childhood. When I was very young my Mom babysat children in our home. One kid was in my kindergarten class and he still wasn't 100% potty trained. At the time I thought it was pretty cool that he got a treat every time he used the restroom and wished I could get a treat as well. But the problem was he could not control his bathroom needs when a treat was not dangled in front of him. I truly hope that this poor kid finally found the motivation within himself to see the importance of not wetting himself before he was in 1st grade.
ReplyDeleteHi Camille,
ReplyDeleteI like your point on intrinsic motivation, because learner is the most important factor in learning process, learning could be facilitated when learner shoes positive attitude, I mean he or she desired to learn so that he or she would cooperate during the learning process. But if she or he learns base on extrinsic motivation, candies or chocolates, for example, she or he would give up playing a positive role in learning as soon as she or he gets the prize.
So I am trying to find some methods to motivate my students in learning, and what you said is very usefull for me.
By the way, your boy is very cute!
Great insights, Camille. I always enjoy what you have to say. Your potty-training analogy really made me think. I have a friend who has lived the darker side of what you are talking about. Her boy is 8 and still is not fully potty-trained, even during waking hours. Most days he manages during school, but once he comes home, it just all comes out...It has been a nightmare for her, and she's tried many types of extrinsic motivators, both positive and negative, happy and unhappy. For some reason, nothing's worked. Like you said, until he wants it as badly as she wants him to want it, he won't turn the corner. There are physical issues, too, and isn't that so much like some of the kids who come into our room with 504's and IEP's, or who SHOULD have them, but don't? So, you got me thinking about those students in our classes who are similar in terms of how difficult it is to get them fired up about learning. Thanks!
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