Motivation The Central Question in Psychology Motivation o

Motivation The Central Question in Psychology

Motivation o An internal state that arouses, directs, and/or maintains behavior n n n “Arouses” – Inspires, Excites, Ignites “Directs” – Guides, Focuses, Controls “Maintains” – Sustains, Persists, Perseveres o It is the cause of human behavior n n Choices we make to act or not to act How much we invest in those actions

Types of Motivation o Extrinsic Motivation* n Motivation created by external factors o o n Direct concrete experience of rewards or punishments “What do I get out of it? ” Examples: o Money, Grades, Trophies, Stickers, Candy, Cars, Clothing, Spanking, Groundings, Praise, Peer-Pressure, ? ? ? ?

Types of Motivation o Intrinsic Motivation* n Motivation created by internal factors o o n Abstract, personal meaning, the activity is a reward in itself “This stuff is so COOL!” Examples: o Pride, integrity, faith, achievement, interest, joy, fear, anger, hate, curiosity, love, affection, indifference, confusion, ? ?

Types of Motivation o Locus of Causality/Control n The essential difference in motivation. o o Internal or External Impact of Motivation on students? n Extrinsic o o Immediate influence on performance No interest in subject-matter needed Not long lasting for students Transition to intrinsic motivation?

Types of Motivation o Impact of Motivation on students? n Intrinsic o o o Very high persistence Interest in subject essential Low immediate impact if not interested Difficult to diagnose & Volatile Recognizing Students’ interest n n What do they do with free-time? Note degree of investment in activities.

Types of Motivation o Classroom Techniques n n o How would you like your future students to be motivated? How were you motivated by your teachers? Find Intrinsic interests n Link your lesson to their interests o Rip Van Winkle comic book