How do intrinsic and extrinsic motivation differ?

The distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is fundamental to understanding what drives learners. Intrinsic motivation refers to the internal desire to engage in an activity for its own sake, where the enjoyment or satisfaction comes from the activity itself. This could include a student who reads a book simply for the pleasure of reading or participates in a science project because they find the subject matter fascinating.

On the other hand, extrinsic motivation involves engaging in an activity to attain a separate, tangible reward or to avoid a negative consequence. For example, a student might study hard to receive a good grade or to earn praise from parents or teachers.

This differentiation highlights that intrinsic motivation is about personal satisfaction and personal growth, while extrinsic motivation relies on external incentives. Understanding this difference is crucial for educators because it can inform how they encourage and inspire their students, fostering a learning environment that cultivates both types of motivation appropriately.