Intrinsic Vs. Extrinsic Learning Motivation
Learners come from all walks of life. They have different life experiences, different educational levels, and different reasons for learning. With so much variability in the learners who may be taking a course, how can educators best reach everyone? The first step is to understand learner motivations, whether intrinsic or extrinsic, and what level of knowledge they are coming into the course with.
Intrinsically Motivated Learners
Intrinsically motivated learners are self-motivated. They may be interested in the topic out of their own sense of curiosity. These learners want to learn the backstories and context of the material, and they want to hear your anecdotes and participate in activities. These learners are often enthusiastic and can actually help motivate other learners to be more enthusiastic about the material as well.
