What is motivation?
The following definitions of motivation were gleaned from a variety of psychology textbooks and reflect the general consensus that motivation is an internal state or condition (sometimes described as a need, desire, or want) that serves to activate or energize behavior and give it direction (see Kleinginna and Kleinginna, 1981a).
- internal state or condition that activates behavior and gives it direction;
- desire or want that energizes and directs goal-oriented behavior;
- influence of needs and desires on the intensity and direction of behavior.
Importance of motivation
Most motivation theorists assume that motivation is involved in the performance of all learned responses; that is, a learned behavior will not occur unless it is energized. The major question among psychologists, in general, is whether motivation is a primary or secondary influence on behavior. That is, are changes in behavior better explained by principles of environmental/ecological influences, perception, memory, cognitive development, emotion, explanatory style, or personality or are concepts unique to motivation more pertinent.
Citation: Huitt, W. (2011). Motivation to learn: An overview. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved from http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/motivation/motivate.html[ Visited: 03-09-2014]
Watch the video:
RSA Animate.(2010).The surprising truth about what motivates us.Retrived from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc[ Visited:03-09-2014]
For tips go to...Improve student motivation
Teachthought.2012,November 12th).21 Simple Ideas To Improve Student Motivation[Message 1].Retrived from http://www.teachthought.com/teaching/21-simple-ideas-to-improve-student-motivatio/
Motivation in the ESL/EFL classroom is easily one of the most important factors as I'm sure most teachers would agree with me. The main reason I'm coming to this point of view is that most of our students have low motivation to learn English. In addition to that, while most of them have a vague sense that whether "English will be useful for my future" or not, they don't have a clear idea of what that means, nor is that a very strong motivator; it's too vague and too far off.
ResponderEliminarMotivation is the fuel that keeps our students interested in what we are teaching them. It is of great importance that teachers learn to find what are those tiny things that motivate each individual student in order to maintain a balanced class, full of harmony, and full of pupils hoping to hear what you have to tell them
ResponderEliminarHello Kata. Your blog is so interesting! For me motivation is really important in our classrooms. It is necessary that we as teachers care about motivating our students, in order to keep them engaged in the learning process.
ResponderEliminar