Robin, what a great example of an intrinsic value. Intrinsic motivation is inherently more powerful than any extrinsic factors.
James Jackson
Kenneth, well stated and a very important message for all instructors. Thankh for sharing.
James Jackson
What intrinsically motivates me to be effective in the classroom is the feeling I get when I can tell that the students understand the coursework and/or concepts we are discussing. I really like sharing my knowledge and experience with others. Extrinsically I enjoy working with the students and watching them grow during the process. Many have shown their appreciation for the time we have spent together throughout the program.
The passion of sharing what I know by teaching others is what allows me to feel like I did a good job. When a student connects the information that I have given in class to a greater understanding in the lab and is able to work on their own is one of the greatest rewards.
different students are motivated by different things. For some the extra points will be worth the extra effort while for others recognition may be more of a motivator. Each student is different and this is why it is critical to know each of your students and what motivates them to do their best work.
Olmarys,do you engage in conversations with your students about the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic values and motivations? For some students they do not fully understand the differences. The more intrinsic you are with your subject matter the better mastery can be obtained. Extrinsic motivators can easily change or fade away but the intrinsic values tend to remain for a long time and seldom change.
James Jackson
Steven, great post. I like your use of the word involvement. Involvement is more than showing up and teaching a lesson plan, it requires a true desire to get to know your students and to use that knowledge to build bridges of learning from their current reality to the outcomes you want them to obtain during their time in your classroom. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
Intrinsically, I want to feel valuable and competant. I want to be relevant, and feel good about myself through helping others. I want the self-worth that comes along with doing my job well (theory Y).
Extrinsically, I like to be validated when students show appreciation for what it is that I do. I like having the respect of my peers, and the feeling of security in my position.
For me, reality bears out the assertion that intrinsic motivators are more powerful than extrinsic.
Intrinsic: I want to be an expert at what I teach and have students come back for more courses with me or recommend me as a teacher to other students
Extrinsic: I would love to be recognized by winning a teaching award and getting pay increases for my dedication and hard work as an instructor
Intrinsically I want to know all about what I am teaching
Extrinsically Mreputation. I want to be recognized as if not the best, a really good instructor
I have been involved professionally with what I teach for 15 years. I have a passion for what I do. I tell my students the first day of class that, " YOU ARE ALL GOING TO BE THE NEXT BIG THING". But first, they need the right tools to succeed. The lessons that I teach them give intrinsic value to where my students can attain extrinsic motivation. I noticed that intrinsic and extrinsic motivators work in a circle. The more organized and confident your lesson plan is, the more passionate the students get about your class. This yields to a larger passing rate to where it leads to a diploma and ultimately a great job. The graduates are now at a level where they can utilize the tools I taught them from my class, at their workplace.
I want to be the best instructor I can be so that I am recognized by my fellow instructors and gain the ability to move up
What intrinsically motivates you to be effective in the classroom?
First and foremost, my overall interest in the subject matter is a huge intrinsic motivator. I enjoy trying to find new and innovative ways to deliver the subject material. If at any time I can help a student improve or enhance their own skills in the classroom as well, it always makes me happy to help!
What extrinsically motivates you to be an excellent instructor?
I work full-time as an administrator and part-time adjunct instructor at a post-secondary institution. With both of my positions through the same employer, what motivates me is the prestige and recognition that comes along with striving to excellent instructor in the classroom. The additional money I earn as an adjunct instructor is certainly a bonus and one of the extrinsic rewards that come along with teaching as well :)
~ Nicole
Intrinsic motivation for me would be my own personal standards of excellence and a desire to enhance the understanding of my students.
Extrinsic motivation is best summarized by the student surveys of my class at the end of the semester.
Intrinsic: The satisfaction that my students are successful in their career choice
Extrisic: having a rewarding job
I agree Dave, you really have to enjoy what you do in order to achieve success for yourself and the students. I also like when my students, supervisor, and peers recognize me for my talent in the classroom.
I agree; I have been teaching for almost 40 years, and my passion to educate far outweighs any financial gain.
I feel that I have to be self-motivated in order to motivate student learners.
When there is a positive response from my students, I am both intrinsically and extrinsically motivated.
Intrinsically, I am motivated to be effective in the classroom by the possibility of truly preparing my students as confident, young professionals... It is very rewarding to have a positive impact on my students lives and see them succeed.
Extrinsically, I am motivated to be effective in the classroom by student survey and exit interview results… I always strive to be acknowledged by students as the teacher they feel [they] learned the most from throughout their educational experience.
gayle,great post and good to see how passionate you are about your subject. The emotions you feel about your topic will be apparent to your students and this will translate into positive energy for them and when they want to ask questions. Keep up the great work.
James Jackson
