120 Hr TEFL Course Module 1-Extrinsic Motivation

Module 1: Teaching and learning

1.1.2 Extrinsic motivation

While extrinsic motivation is not nearly as strong as intrinsic motivation, it is much easier, as the teacher, for you to control. Extrinsic motivation refers to the external force compelling an individual to do something for a reward. Because of their ease of use in teaching, extrinsic motivators are often the basis for educational programs. The most common extrinsic motivator the assignment of grades. Teachers can simply reward good behavior and punish bad behavior by assigning
grades accordingly. (Behavior here refers to whatever the student is expected to do). A student who hands in their project, follows directions, and effectively addresses the purpose of the project is rewarded with an A, whereas a student who does not is punished with an F.

Why it works

Even though as stated previously, the drive initiated by extrinsic motivation pales in comparison to intrinsic motivation, that doesn't mean you cannot find success with extrinsic motivation. These motivators access an individual’s desire to find success even if someone else defines that success. Here are some examples of extrinsic motivators that work in the classroom:

• Grades: This is the most obvious extrinsic motivator. Individuals want to be successful and they feel better when they receive a high score as opposed to a low score. If you teach in a high school setting, grades can mean the difference as to whether or not the student gets into college (or a good college), so grades can be a good motivator for students. Even when there is no next level, however, many students will be motivated to succeed by grades.
• Competition: Many individuals have an innate desire to be winners, and putting your students in competition with each other can be a good way to motivate them to succeed, especially if the ongoing results are available to all students. This approach often used by teachers of younger students with such things as performance charts, where teachers give students who do well some sort of visible reward, such as a gold star. Conversely, teachers can punish negative behaviors by posting the name of the student in question on the board as someone who is not behaving. This can sometimes help motivate students to succeed because they would like to do better than their classmates.

• Extra rewards and punishments: Besides grades, some teachers will offer extra incentive to succeed, perhaps in the form of prizes. A teacher might, for example, make an agreement with a student that if he or she improves, then he or she can go on the class trip. Conversely, punishments such as detentions or phone calls home can be a consequence that motivates a student.