Introduction

All of us are motivated in one

way or another. We differ in levels,
hence high or low manifestations are
easily observed. This is true mostly
with students who are naturally
curious and eager to gain information
Associated with teaching, motivation
is the key that could spell the
student’s interest or indifference in
any learning activity. One of the
greatest challenges that teachers
face is how to motivate students.
WHAT IS MOTIVATION
Motivation stands for
“impulse”, rationale or driving
force. It is simply one reason
or purpose for undertaking an
activity. It could originate
from the inner self or from
external forces.
 – It is observed as high or
strong if the student appears
stimulated or highly interested;
low if described to be unmoved
or passive. Much will depend on
the motivational strategy which
will be employed by the
teacher.
KINDS OF MOTIVATION
It is very important that teachers
recognize the difference between a
self- and an externally-motivated
behavior.
INTRINSIC MOTIVATION
• Intrinsic or internal motivation
originates from the student’s inner
self. It can arise from his needs at
the time.
His attitudes and values could likewise greatly
determine the observable level of motivation.
Examples of ones needs are the desire to
excel or the fear to failure, to become the
leader or a mere follower. The values of
curiosity and creativity are exhibited by one
who is naturally inner-motivated.
Intrinsic motivation, by its origin, is an
integral part of ones personality. The basic
motivational pattern may not change much,
especially if a teacher’s association with the
student is only for a short time.
Examples of intrinsic motivation
which could be considered aims
or goals are:
Desire to get high grades
To be the most popular
To be the torch bearer
Be declare the best athlete
Be a dean’s lister
EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION
Extrinsic or external motivation originates
from the learning environment. It includes
some forms o incentives intended to
arouse and sustain interest in a learning
activity. As a result, students may work
harder or behave better. Rewards, be it
materials or otherwise could served as a
good incentive. A new dress for getting
high grade or a new pair of shoes for
winning a ball game serves as a positive
incentive. Recognizing for completing a
learning task or a prize for winning in a
math contest is an effective incentive.
Examples of positive incentives
are:
A card praising a pupil for being well-
behaved,
A toy car for doing his assignments for a
week,
A card with the highest average posted in
the bulletin board,
A literature book for the best in poetry,
A simple trophy for the 1st placer among
the graduates.
LEVEL OF MOTIVATION
An observant teacher never fails to notice whether
the whole class is showing interest in the lesson or
merely behaving quietly. Sensing such reaction,
what is the best thing to do?
A teacher was almost annoyed when she saw a
student run to the laboratory room to get
materials that will be needed in the experiment.
When asked why he did not wait for the
classmates to go there, he answered “I like to be
the one to do it!” How would you assess the
motivation of the students?
While it is important to know whether a response
is internally or externally motivated, it is equally
urgent that the teacher should be sensitive enough
to notice whether the students are behaving
positively or negatively. Being aware of the level
of their motivation, the atmosphere could either
be continued or revised.
 Following are some signs that could indicate
high or low motivation.
HIGH OR POSITIVE
MOTIVATION
A highly motivated student is observed to do
the following:
Asks questions during discussion.
Facial expression shows intently listening and
observing what is happening in a
demonstration.
Smiles and nod to show confirmation.
Curiously goes around the room to look for
more materials.
Persists in solving problem until reaching the
solution.
Does extra work beyond regular class hours.
Read more references to gain more
information.
LOW OR NEGATIVE
MOTIVATION
A poorly motivated student is observed to be
any of the following:
Inattentively and with a blank look.
Homework or assignments left undone.
Seems bored and uninterested.
Seldom participates in investigation
lesson.
Unable to work by himself.
Not time conscious, hence wastes time.
Depends on classmates for lesson
conclusions.
Does not listen, instead distracts others.
MOTIVATIONAL STRATEGIES
Following are some general suggestions
for improving the motivational level of
students.
Make the students aware of their own
progress such as:
Higher grades obtained
More games won
Favorite books read
Experiments performed
Vary teaching strategies.
If you see them about to fall asleep, change your
technique to one that would need more movements.
Inject something surprising which will make them see
what is coming next.
 Let your sense of humor work in every
lesson they will look forward to a fun-
filled lesson.
Arouse their curiosity. Introduce a
strange substance or object on the
table. Don’t tell them what it is. Let
them examine it with big eyes, touch if
not harmful, smell, but not taste.
Curious children are highly motivated
and will learn faster.
Plan lessons which will need audiovisual
gadgets, tools and materials. You will
see them trying to manipulate the
devices better than the other.
Assist students in solving personal
problems or simple physical
inabilities by suggesting creative
solutions. The remedies must be
something new to them but which
are doable. Their successful
attempt will sustain interest and
develop creativity, almost as a
habit.
Use educational games occasionally
to break to monotony of straight
quiet learning task.
– Pick a statement currently being
quoted on television or radio that
has bearing on the topic you are
explaining. It will reinforce their
understanding as well as their
recall. It could be a new song
that is currently a favorite.
 Vary the activities and the procedures
planned for the day’s lesson. Sometimes
a step-by-step construction of a project
or a randomly performed investigation of
a problem in connection with the topic
could heighten the motivation, especially
for the bright ones.
Announce a reward in any form for those
who can complete the learning activity
fast enough but with quality.
Role-playing, simulation games and
dramatizations are teaching strategies
that cater to their imagination and
ambitions. Try them.
 Since you know the abilities of your
students, prepare different lesson
activities as to level of difficulty and
time required. It would be easy to
observe the highly motivated from the
rest.
Write brief praises or words of approval
for written work when you return. They
will serve as encouragement for the
future assignments that are marked.
Videotape a special presentation, debate
or musical piece. Even the usually poorly
motivated will enjoy listening.
 Once in a while, teach a topic
from the newspapers. The shift
will arouse interest in daily
happening around them; at the
same time develop their reading
skills.
Finally, be an enthusiastic
teacher and show you are
interested and enjoying what you
are doing. Enthusiasm is
contagious.