Motivation is the idea of being moved to do something (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Individuals have different degrees of motivation. Level of motivation and type of motivation are important when evaluating an individual's overall motivation. Based on the Self-Determination Theory, there are two main types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (Deci & Ryan, 1985). Intrinsic motivation is derived from internal reward and enjoyment from completing a task. However, extrinsic motivation is fueled by external rewards or an expected outcome.
Extrinsic motivation is viewed to be autonomous; however, there are important considerations to be made. Extrinsic motivation is often viewed as the less effective form of motivation. However, this type of motivation can also be representative of lively actions. Individuals are working towards an end goal and thus driven by the accomplishment of this goal. Extrinsic motivation varies in its degree of autonomy. For example, an individual who is extrinsically motivated to do well in school may have varying reasons for this. The individuals may be motivated due to fear of failure. They could be motivated to do well for financial reward from family members. Extrinsic motivation can encompass completing actions with resentment and displeasure or with excitement and hope (Ryan & Deci, 2000).
Teaching and Learning with Extrinsic Motivation
It is not feasible for educators to believe their students will always be driven by intrinsic motivation. It is valuable to use extrinsic motivation effectively, especially when students are expected to perform typically unexciting activities. Individuals who are extrinsically motivated are working towards a specific outcome. Their motivation is towards an end goal, rather than the process or task at hand. Ryan and Deci (2000) identified four types of extrinsic motivation and examples of each are provided below:
Table 1. Types of extrinsic motivation.
Educators are ultimately preparing students to promote learning. As students age, the complexity of the material they are learning matures with them. Students will lack maturity in their later lives if they are primarily extrinsically motivated. Thus, it is important for teachers to use extrinsic motivation in constructive ways. However, educators must be aware of the types of extrinsic motivation and focus on identification and integration rather than introjection and external regulation.
Understanding of theories related to extrinsic motivation aids in educators' capability to effectively motivate their students. Outlined below are five theories related to extrinsic motivation:
Table 2. Theories related to extrinsic motivation (Schnuck, 2012).
Examples of Extrinsic Motivation
- Student Accountability/Competition
- After each assignment has been submitted, choose 1-2 student submissions to display on a “Look What I Did” board. Desire to see their work displayed as a good example gives students a competitive nature and the motivation to work hard in the future.
- Incentives
- Students may earn admittance to a reward luncheon by preparing for and participating in a certain number of FFA events throughout the year.
- Responses Cost Systems
- In this system, students may earn points for positive behavior, but lose them when behavior is negative. The students may use these points for things such as extra credit, prizes, or extra responsibility.
Acknowledgements
Isabella Damiani, Andrew Thoron
References
Deci, E. L., and Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Plenum.
Ryan, R. M., and Deci, E. L. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations: Classic definitions and new directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 54‒67. https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1999.1020
Schunk, D. H. (2012). Learning theories: An educational perspective. Pearson.