There are two types of factors that lead a person to carry out certain actions, one is those related to intrinsic motivation and the other is those linked to extrinsic motivation. With the first of them there is no incentive other than the simple interest of finding satisfaction in what one does, such as achieving a certain objective, result or learning. On the other hand, the case of extrinsic motivation has to do with external incentives, that is, rewards that are obtained, such as a prize or title. Or the intention to avoid some type of retaliation. This second type is the one that has traditionally been instilled in children’s learning. But is it the best option?
The best motivation for children’s learning is intrinsic, this is how psychologist Jesús López Megías, professor at the University of Granada, is clear about this. An impulse that occurs when the feeling of autonomy, competence and affinity converge. Three psychological needs that, according to the expert, are essential in the school context. So it will be key to stimulate them to motivate children to study, through an involvement in the learning processes stimulated by the simple interest and satisfaction that this causes in the child.
As the expert states, intrinsic motivation is fostered through the satisfaction of three fundamental psychological needs: self-determination, competence and affinity. In the case of the first, Jesús López assures that relatively simple initiatives, such as knowing the interests and preferences of the students, will be of great help. As well as avoiding, as far as possible, tasks with very limited options, since the student is offered the possibility of feeling that he is choosing.
When it comes to promoting competition, this can be achieved with “positive performance feedback.” What the psychologist is referring to is that the student receives information about his or her progress and the completion of tasks, which should be challenging, always appropriate to his or her level. While the stimulation of affinity will be carried out by designing positive interaction environments between students, in order to reinforce their bond.
Although intrinsic motivation is ideal when it comes to encouraging children in their studies, the expert recognizes that it is often not enough. Often it will be necessary to resort to extrinsic motivators to encourage students to learn. However, psychologist Jesús López specifies the importance of always prioritizing those related to pleasant consequences, such as praise. Instead of resorting to other negative ones, for example, punishments.
