This module helped me better understand the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and how both play important roles in student learning. Intrinsic motivation comes from within—students are driven by curiosity, interest, or personal satisfaction. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, relies on external rewards like grades, praise, or even consequences.
What stood out to me most was how powerful intrinsic motivation can be when we intentionally nurture it. When students are genuinely interested in what they're learning or see real-world relevance, they engage more deeply and retain information longer. That said, I also recognize that extrinsic motivators can be helpful, especially when used to guide or reinforce behavior in a structured way.
Moving forward, I plan to design more assignments and activities that give students a sense of purpose, relevance, and choice. I’ll also be more mindful of how I use extrinsic rewards, making sure they don’t overshadow the joy of learning itself. My goal is to help students not just succeed, but develop a lifelong love of learning.
