The Importance of Intrinsic Motivation for Students
The Importance of Intrinsic Motivation for Students
So what really motivates students??
And how can we equip them with an inner drive that connects them to learning and growth so they reach the goals they set for themselves?
At British Language Schools, we know the importance of motivation very well. Because only truly motivated students can turn the learning process into an enjoyable and meaningful experience. Now let’s look at a few points to better understand students’ motivation to learn.
Of course, clichéd answers such as “Everyone needs an education these days” do not explain intrinsic motivation in any depth. Our students should not attend school or a course simply “because everyone else does”. Students who take part in learning only for external reasons cannot really engage with the learning process and often attend lessons just “for the sake of going”.
Students preparing for high school or university, on the other hand, usually say, “I need to do well in my lessons to get into a good university.” To some extent, this can be a strong source of motivation. But at British Language Schools, we want our students to be here not just to move on to the next stage, but to develop themselves, broaden their world and discover the true meaning of learning.
Questions about motivation can usually be divided into two main categories: intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. As Dan Pink also discusses in his book ‘Drive’, extrinsic and intrinsic motivation are not the same. At British Language Schools, we aim to strengthen our students’ intrinsic motivation so that they succeed in language learning.
In traditional education systems, extrinsic motivation (marks and exam results) usually takes centre stage. But students who look for meaning beyond marks or certificates need intrinsic motivation more. At British Language Schools, we are here so that our students develop their interest in every word, every language skill and every new culture they learn, not just to get a good mark. Intrinsic motivation ensures that our students are filled with a genuine desire to learn a language and build cultural knowledge, not just to complete a course.
Students who are committed to learning through intrinsic motivation, however, can truly enjoy language learning, become eager and energetic to learn more and, in the end, be fully satisfied with their experience. At British Language Schools, we are proud to help our students find their own intrinsic motivation as they reach their goals. You are in the ideal place to learn, explore and grow!
