Students with high intrinsic motivation often out-perform students with low intrinsic motivation. However, little is known about the processes that lead to these differences. In education based on simulations or authentic electronic learning environments, this lack of insight is even more clear. The present study investigated what students…

Recent literature on motivation has documented that perceptions of self-competence and motivational orientations for learning are interrelated. This study focuses specifically on childrens perceptions of their scholastic abilities, how these perceptions develop and how they relate to intrinsic motivation for learning. The rationale for this study…

This study explored possible gender differences in intrinsic motivation among 120 white students at a semi-rural high school. Researchers drew students randomly from each of the four grade levels. Students provided information on age, grade level, and grade point average, then anonymously completed Harter's 1981 Scale of Intrinsic versus Extrinsic…

Intellectually gifted children (N=20) and a comparison group (N=79) were administered the Children's Academic Intrinsic Motivation Inventory at ages 9, 10, and 13. At all three ages, the gifted children had significantly higher academic intrinsic motivation across all subject areas and in school in general. Assessment of intrinsic motivation is…

Explores how the Cross-Aged Literacy Program supported the motivation and literacy learning of four low-achieving ninth-grade students. Suggests that participation in the preparation seminar and cross-aged literary discussion groups contributed to three key aspects of intrinsic motivation: perceived self-competence, autonomy, and relatedness. (SG)

Examines the effects of trait intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, measured by the Work Preference Inventory, on creativity and academic performance. In an experimental creative writing task, intrinsic motivation correlated with creativity. In a follow-up study, intrinsic motivation correlated negatively with year-1 GPA, whereas extrinsic…

Examines the assumption that interdependence is best achieved by using rewards. An impressive body of social science research has shown that rewards have limited effectiveness and can undermine interest in the task. Cooperative learning programs with appropriately balanced curricula, autonomy, and relationship elements function well without…

Describes motivational strategies that middle-school teachers can employ to prevent boredom and stimulate interest. Teachers should relate learning tasks to students' needs, interests, concerns, and experiences; clarify, share, and model the intended value of learning; encourage students to pursue their own interests; stimulate students'…

No one teaching strategy consistently engages all learners. Motivation is inseparable from culture. What elicits frustration, joy, or determination may differ across cultures, because cultures vary in defining novelty, hazard, opportunity, and gratification. A culturally responsive teaching model requires four motivational conditions: establishing…

Explores the relationship between intrinsic motivation and self-perceptions and academic achievement and attendance in 47 Black elementary school students. Suggests that some Black urban elementary students may find improving their standard English vocabulary and preferring challenging work to be socially undesirable. Implications for urban…

Argues against the use of rewards for students. Discusses their origin in Skinner's behaviorism and their application in behavior modification in the classroom. Describes the problems with using rewards, as noted by Alfie Kohn and others, including the erosion of intrinsic motivation and the distortion of the focus of learning. Presents…

This article discusses the importance of recognizing and nurturing intrinsic motivation in students and describes an introductory teacher education course that alerted 48 teacher interns to the characteristics of intrinsically motivated students and to the exceptional qualities of non-conforming students who lack the benefit of being teacher…

About half of regular secondary students make no consistent effort to learn. Intrinsic appeals are applicable to any lesson in any subject at any level. These include novelty, anticipation, security, challenge, completion (of logically connected project segments), application of learned skills, feedback, identification (via possession, belonging,…

Three investigations assessed how concurrent emphases on the intrinsic value of learning and the importance of grades affect college student and instructor views of themselves and of one another. Results suggest that students and instructors have compatible learning and grade orientation ideals, but that current grading practices adversely affect…

Discusses a theoretical model that can be used to deepen understanding of the nature and process of self-learning, and to facilitate students in becoming highly motivated and effective self-learners with the support of a networked human and information technology (IT) environment. Explores how the theory's implications can contribute to…