Intrinsic motivation is the act of doing something because you want to. You have not been forced to act out and you aren’t looking for validation or even a reward. You just want to do whatever it is you’re doing. Intrinsic motivation is a strange part of life. People don’t always understand it. So, what do you need to know about intrinsic motivation?

Extrinsic Motivation vs. Intrinsic Motivation

There are different forms of motivation – extrinsic and intrinsic. For example, you exercise throughout the week. You want to get fit and be able to do a handstand. This is extrinsic motivation. If, however, you wanted to learn more about aerobics for no reward or reason, that is intrinsic motivation.

Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations are linked by internal rewards. You feel satisfied after completing a task and believe you’re a better person for it. Unfortunately, motivation can quickly lapse, especially when you’re reached certain goals. It often happens and sometimes the body needs some little kick to keep it motivated. 

Satisfaction Is the Reward

Let’s say you were exercising every day for 3 months. You finally dropped 2 sizes and felt better. Your motivation begins to weaken since your goal has been achieved. You were internally motivated for those 3 months because of those goals. When you received your rewards, your motivation can drop considerably. Internal satisfaction can be very rewarding, however, and can keep your motivation high. 

How Intrinsic Motivation Can Be Used in the Classroom?

Students need to be motivated to learn and succeed. Teachers must provide a motivating environment for them to prosper. While grades matter, they aren’t the only important factors in schools. An intrinsically motivated student will want to attend school because there is a motivating environment. That is going to bring the student to class and make them pay attention, even in the most boring classes. 

There are, however, several factors that enhance intrinsic motivation in a school. Those include:

• The Challenge: Students want to be challenged. They want to overcome and endure the education process, especially with subjects they know little about or are very difficult to learn. 
• Competition and Cooperation: Students can increase their intrinsic motivation when there are skills to learn. If there is healthy competition amongst their peers and cooperation with their teachers, students are motivated to attend class. 
• Curiosity: When a student’s interest is piqued, they’re driven to learn more. 
• Control: Students are driven to pursue goals.
• Recognition: Students want some recognition for the work they’ve put into the school year. It motivated them to create goals and reach them. 

Summary

Intrinsic motivation is needed for students because it is what encourages them to learn. It’s something everyone uses in their lives and can be crucial. If a student’s only focus is good grades, they will sacrifice relationships and being social. So, it’s important students find a balance and use intrinsic motivation to pursue their dreams.