PSL 4

There are two main types of motivation. There is extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation.

Extrinsic motivation is motivation that is caused from factors external to the person that are unrelated to the task at hand. An example of this would be maybe a student not very interested or motivated in math but knowing that math is going to help the student later in life, on a standardized test, to get into college, in the business world. All these things are not direct motivators to the performing the math problem in the moment.

Intrinsic motivation is motivation that is driven by a student on the inside. This is being motivated to do a task because you know you will get some benefit from it. Raising your hand to show that you have mastered the topic or give yourself some self gratification. It is not very hard to motivate someone who is intrinsically motivated.

There are a few theories that play along in motivation that but I think it is important to know the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, especially in regards to your students.

Expectancy x Value theory-can I do this x why should I do this?
Expectancy in a task is usually based on past performance and how well you did or did not do and how you are probably going to approach the task this time. Also must know that the task is important and it is going to benefit you in some way. I know for me this theory sometimes works for me because maybe I have a bad test, well my motivation in the subject is down, especially if i have prepared and now I don't think that I will pass. But knowing that this test is important, and it's a different test, and if I do well it will bring my grade up from the last one helps me refocus.

Goal Theory-setting goals in order to stay motivated. General goals, time goals, or orientation of the goal are three ways. A student can set their own goals or a teacher can do it for a student or even the class. Sometimes laying everything out and showing what is expected by what time or what should be accomplished by a certain time can help students stay on track. I know I really enjoy having deadlines and time crunches because it gives me less reason to procrastinate.

I would probably use Goal theory in my classroom in the future. I think like I said above having goals and deadlines set out it gives students a way to organize and stay on track. Even on a daily basis you can set up the goals or the guidelines for that specific class period so students know what to expect and what is expected from me and also from them.