Why Students Learn

The extent to which a teacher can influence the student’s motivation to learn may be debatable since it is dependent upon many factors. But there is no doubt that motivation—intrinsic and extrinsic—is a powerful factor which affects learning.

Intrinsic motivation

Intrinsic motivation may consist in the basic human need for achievement and the desire for self-actualisation (e.g. self-discovery and self-fulfilment). More specifically, there are intellectual needs (e.g. need for knowledge, understanding), and ‘cognitive drive’ (e.g interest in the subject studied).

Extrinsic factors

As learning takes place within an interpersonal context, intrinsic motivations are often qualified, perhaps even overridden by extrinsic factors such as teaching methods, learner’s perception of the learning milieu, assessment procedures, teachers’ expectations, reward system and external pressures (e.g. social, parental).

Student Profile | How students Learn | Why Students Learn | Pedagogical Implications