Motivation

 

Motivation is the key to success in school.  Although teachers and parents can provide the student with some helpful hints to enhance motivation, they cannot motivate the student. The student is responsible for his/her study habits, for seeking resources and assistance, and for managing his/her time.  They have to want to do well enough to put forth the effort.

There are types of motivation.  The first one is OUTER MOTIVATION (extrinsic motivation--external).  These are things such as good grades, money, trips, and shopping sprees.  You do something good, and you know you will get a reward. You do it mostly because you want to get something extinisic out of your performance. 

 

The second and MOST important type of motivation to have is SELF-MOTIVATION (intrinsic motivation--intermal). Self-motivation is doing something because YOU want to do it for yourself, and your reward is knowing that you did your BEST!  For example, you are a dedicated basketball player, and you practice every day.  You work hard, and then game day comes around.  You score 25 points, and YOU have been voted Most Valuable Player at the end of the game.  Self-motivation (intrinsic) is what made you go to practice everyday and work hard.  Outer (extrinsic) motivation is the praise, the points scored, and winning MVP of the game.

Each student needs to  ask himself/herself if he/she is doing what it takes to be the MVP in class or at home?