Andrea Delise - Motivation to LEARN!

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation!

I've noticed lately, that the students who read at a lower level rely heavily on extrinsic motivation. One student knows his alphabet, however, he doesn't understand that the letters of the alphabet have names as well as sounds, and that the sounds differ from their name. He becomes extremely confused and frustrated while reading and just gives up. During literacy centers or silent reading, he just puts his head down. I've noticed that when I go over to him and help him read, he will read...but he will definitely do his best reading when there is some kind of reward at stake- such as a sticker, or praise. He has told me that if he gets al A's, his mother will take him to see a wrestler that he likes. He often brings this up when trying to read. Recently, I explained to this student that to do well in second grade, he has to try his very best every day while practicing reading. I told him that it doesn't come easy at first, and that he is going to have to try hard and even work on it at home, but that he has the potential to become a very good reader. I explained to him that good readers go on to become great students who get good grades. This "second grader" mentality seemed to help ignite his intrinsic motivation. Today during literacy centers, this student put his head down and I came over to tell him what is expected as second graders. I told him that second graders try to read books the best they can, and if they can't figure out a word, they should sound it out. He seemed to have a sense of responsibility in knowing that he is a great big second graders, and that he needs to practice every day to get better.

I think that by simply explaining to students why they need to practice reading every day, and how important reading is, students will become motivated and excited to read. I think this may be a case of parental involvement. I feel as though parents try to instill extrinsic motivation in their children by offering material things for good grades. This may work, but I also feel that if the parents take time to monitor their students progress, take time to read with their student, as well as read TO their student, their child will start to gain confidence in their abilities, and will gain a more intrinsic motivation.