Topic: the Meaning and Significance of Motivation in Human Learning and Performance

1161 Words5 Pages
In all the spheres of learning, whenever somebody does something that is worthy praising, there is need for Motivation. This does not fall short of the essay that needs us to discuss the meaning and significance of motivation in human learning and performance. The essay will discuss widely on different scholarly views as well, giving practical examples of learning situations. Dworetzky, (1988:290) claims that the word motivation is a derivative of the Latin word motivum which refers to the reason something has moved. Various definitions of motivation have been put across by different educationists and authorities. Santock (2004:414) claims that motivation involves the process that energises direct and sustaining behaviour. Mwamwenda, (1995:259) views motivation as an energiser or a driving force, a desire or an urge that causes an individual to engage in certain behaviour. There are basically two types of motivation, namely intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation, Mwamwenda (1995:260). A person who is intrinsically motivated engages in a given behaviour because he derives personal satisfaction from that behaviour or because it satisfies him or her for achievement or competence or assists him in maintaining a state of equilibrium. Santrock, (2004) and Woolfork. (1995) concur that intrinsic motivation is basically internal motivation which spurs an individual to undertake an activity for its own sake, that is the activity is its own reward. On The other hand extrinsic motivation is the type of motivation in which an individual engages in an activity for the sake of external rewards (incentives) or in order to avoid punishment. Woolfork and Mwamwenda, (1995). In the teaching and learning situations, both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is vital and can be used by teachers. Without motivation, the achievement of Educational aims and objectives remains a

More about Topic: the Meaning and Significance of Motivation in Human Learning and Performance

Open Document