Question

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1. Our educational system is reducing the intrinsic motivation to learn and replacing it with extrinsic motivation.

1. What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation? What is it that motivates you to learn at University?
2. Make an argument for or against the statement above using examples from theories learned in class and your everyday experience to support your argument.

Answer 1

1. When one is motivated by intrinsic rewards, one would have a purpose in achieving something in life which would in return give one satisfaction. This would mean that one wouldn’t be worried about what external rewards are present but would be focused on achieving what one wants despite all the difficulties and challenges. External motivation on the other hand revolves around others and other things in terms of appreciation, recognition, monetary rewards etc. This would mean that whether one likes or not one would work or be in a place just for the sake of external motivation. I would like to improve my knowledge and skills in order to get a better job and better person in the society. I do not work for the external rewards but because I would like to improve my life.

2. One of the most important things about educational institutions is that they work towards improving the marks of the students thus, whether they understand the concepts or not they would be forced to memorize the facts and present it in exams. This would mean that most of the students study, not to improve their knowledge but their grades. They would be lured with the marks and grades while also bringing out the consequences of not performing to the set standards. Those who study hard would be given more marks than those who could practically perform those tasks. Only when motivation is shifted from external to internal students would be able to achieve real knowledge.

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