How Can I DRIVE My Students?

In Daniel H. Pinks book, “DRIVE,” Pink shows us that much of what we know about motivation is actually wrong. Pink addresses that tasks are either algorithmic or heuristic, and that the carrot and stick approach. All of this to say what? How can we use Pink’s information to better help the motivation of our students?

What is extrinsic and intrinsic motivation?

Extrinsic motivation is what’s considered as the carrots and sticks; “if you do *this*, then you get *this*.” Extrinsic motivation is a a type of motivation that can be used for a reward or a punishment; giving students and ulterior motive to do something. Whereas intrinsic motivation is the type of motivation that comes from within; when genuine joy is produced from doing something that.

Why don’t sticks and carrots work?

• Pushes out intrinsic motivation
• Decreases student performance
• Put a stop to creativity
• Often increases cheating

What fires intrinsic motivation?

Pink developed a way to light intrinsic motivation on fire! Here’s what Pink came up with that can help us with our students:

• Autonomy– the desire to direct our own lives
• Mastery– the urge to get better and better at something
• Purpose– the yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves

How can I incorporate intrinsic motivation in my classroom in my classroom?

• Give your students compliments; it will encourage them!
• Make your students feel like what they’re contributing is valued, appreciated, and worth something!
• Give them a goal or help them set a goal for themselves!