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Teaching for Extrinsic Motivation

Margaret Reaves, Rigo Chapparo, J. C. Bunch, and Carla B. Jagger

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.

External Regulation

Focuses on extrinsic rewards or punishments

A student performs well on an End-Of-Course exam so they can attend a reward social.

Introjection

Ego-involved, focuses on approval from self or others

The student is working to perform well so they are not ridiculed by others.

Identification

Values importance of activity

The student has taken pride/interest in completing a project regarding agriculture in their community because they recognize the importance of the agricultural industry in their local economy.

Integration

Regulates into congruence with personal values

The student completes the report because they truly are interested in the topic; however, the student is still completing the report to receive a grade.

A student who typically does not enjoy public speaking is willing to do a speech assignment covering a topic that personally interests them and they value.

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).

Goal Theory

States that relationships exist among motivational orientation, ability, social comparisons, and achievement behaviors

Achievement Motivation

Seeking to become competent in specific activities

Self-Worth Theory

Focus on failure shows low ability and should be avoided

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

An increasingly important pyramid of needs in the following order: physiological, safety, belongingness, esteem, self-actualization

Conditioning Theory

Motivated by stimuli that initiates a response

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.

Publication #AEC644

Release Date:April 24, 2023

Related Experts

Thoron, Andrew C.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Bunch, James C

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Related Topics

Fact Sheet

About this Publication

This document is AEC644, one of a series of the Agricultural Education and Communication Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date June 2018. Revised April 2023. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Isabella Damiani, graduate assistant; Andrew Thoron, associate professor; and J. C. Bunch, assistant professor; Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Contacts

  • James Bunch