ABSTRACT
Teachers can foster intrinsic motivation by ensuring that learning experiences include three qualities: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Relationships with teachers and peers powerfully impact motivation. There are two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is the drive to engage in activities because a person finds them enjoyable. Extrinsic motivation is the drive to engage in activities because a person seeks to obtain a reward. Extrinsic rewards undermine intrinsic motivation. However, intrinsic motivation often is not present, and the practical challenge is motivating students to do necessary but unexciting work. A student reading a novel because they love reading is intrinsically motivated, whereas a student reading a novel for money is extrinsically motivated. Applying rewards that are progressively small, intangible, and based on mastery can help students gain confidence and transition to becoming more intrinsically motivated.
