Motivation & Learning
Motivation is the internal process that arouses, sustains, and directs behaviour towards a goal. The word comes from Latin movere — "to move." Motivation → need → drive → goal-directed behaviour.
Don't read this page — work through it. Each block asks you to commit to an answer before it tells you anything.
Start here: what do you already know?
Motivation — true or false?
6 statements · 9s each
Sort these into intrinsic or extrinsic
Intrinsic or extrinsic?
0/6Working hard to win a prize
Which group does it belong to?
Types of motivation
- Intrinsic — motivation from within (interest, curiosity, satisfaction). Most durable for learning.
- Extrinsic — motivation from outside (rewards, marks, praise, punishment).
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham Maslow arranged needs in a pyramid; lower needs must be reasonably satisfied before higher ones dominate.
| Level | Need |
|---|---|
| 5 (top) | Self-actualisation — realising one's full potential |
| 4 | Esteem — respect, recognition, status |
| 3 | Love / belonging — affection, acceptance |
| 2 | Safety — security, protection |
| 1 (base) | Physiological — food, water, sleep |
Self-actualisation is the highest and rarely fully achieved.
Other views
- Drive-reduction theory (Hull): motivation reduces internal tension/drives.
- Achievement motivation (McClelland): need for achievement (n-Ach) drives performance.
- Incentive theory: external incentives pull behaviour.
Motivation in the classroom (techniques)
- Set clear, attainable goals.
- Use praise and constructive feedback.
- Relate content to students' interests and real life.
- Provide reinforcement and reward effort.
- Use curiosity, novelty, and competition/cooperation appropriately.
- Ensure success experiences to build confidence.
Build Maslow's pyramid yourself
The order is asked almost every year. Move the levels into place from the base upwards until you get it right without thinking:
Intrinsic vs extrinsic
Exam tip: Maslow order is asked often — physiological → safety → love → esteem → self-actualisation. Intrinsic motivation is considered superior for lasting learning.