Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic motivation means that a student is motivated by something external.  Teachers set up rewards systems in the class. An extrinsic reward system can teach student to put in hard work in order to get rewards. Reinforcing children’s work even if it involves some small aspects of the total effort should be a step in the direction of giving the child more confidence. (Carol A. Ames, 1990. 415) However, rewards can get very expensive for the motivator. It is short term based, if the reward falls away, so do the behaviour. Extrinsic rewards can lead to over justification; it can cause reduction in intrinsic activation. If student get rewarded immediately, the effect is great and decreases as the delay lengthens. The long-term effect of extrinsic rewards might reduce the desirability to perform well in a given task.

Intrinsic motivation means that students are internally motivated from an inner desire to be successful at a certain task or it brings them pleasure.  It occurs when they pursue learning because of their interest in a specific topic. Using the student’s interest, a teacher can install intrinsic motivation by frequently giving positive feedback.

The best motivation system is one that provides both intrinsic and extrinsic.  Students can obtain tangible awards for their work, as well as getting positive feedback from their teachers. By combining intrinsic and extrinsic motivators teachers can help student to quality involvement in learning. Intrinsic motivation is a far stronger motivator than extrinsic motivation and teachers must use different motivational strategies to enhance intrinsic motivation.

Here's a YouTube video, by Larry Ferlazzo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WbTkUTwuCA