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When Motivation and Learning Collide

2–4 minutes

Your Cliff Notes

It’s no secret that homeschooling and online learning have become more common for K-12 students. In fact, more than 3 million students are homeschooled nowadays compared to the roughly 275 homeschooled in 1990. As fast as time flies by we have to keep up with the changes experienced through learning too. As we support our learners, it’s crucial to grasp the ins and outs of student engagement in any learning environment, including blends of in-person and online learning (hybrid learning). Let’s dive into the world of extrinsic motivation to see how this tool can help us navigate this new educational landscape.  

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Extrinsic Motivation: The Power of External Nudges  

Before we define extrinsic motivation we need to understand the word motivation. When you think of the word motivation, “why” should first come to mind. It is the “why” behind someone’s behavioral desire to do something.  External motivation are external factors that nudge our kids to stay engaged. These external motivators can undoubtedly be helpful in the short term. They are not very strong, or long lasting, because of the need for the external stimulus.

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Examples of Extrinsic Motivation

  • Rewards and Incentives: Leveraging rewards like stickers, screen time, or special treats can effectively motivate students for specific tasks or achievements.   
  • Grades and Performance: Students attending hybrid schools may be motivated to get good grades or make their learning coaches and teachers proud.   
  • Parental Involvement: Homeschool learning coaches play a pivotal role in providing extrinsic motivation by setting clear expectations, offering praise for milestones achieved, and providing a structured learning environment.    
a person's hand with a gray sweater on is writing information using a pen in a planner for school. There is a coffee mug on the table and a notepad

Extrinsic Motivation in Curriculum Planning  

Now that we’ve covered what motivation looks like around us, let’s explore what happens when motivation collides into a learning environment through the lens of curriculum planning. Whether you are an educator, homeschool parent, or teacher everyone has their own method of curriculum planning. Stick to the plan that works best for you and your learners. But consider adding one (or more!) of these ideas into your plans to help extrinsic motivation shine like the bright star that it is:

  • Set Clear Goals: Establish goals that align with your child’s hybrid learning model. Grades are important, but emphasize the joy of learning for its own sake.  
  • Praise Effort and Progress: Don’t just focus on the final grades. Acknowledge your child’s effort in their studies and encourage a growth mindset.  
  • Create a Positive Learning Environment: Whether it is a dining room table or the classroom, ensure the space where your child learns is comfortable and distraction-free. Provide the necessary resources for both online and physical school assignments.  

Let’s Recap

  • We need to understand the dynamics of student engagement. This helps us navigate different learning environments. 
  • Motivation is the, “why”. External motivation is the, “nudge” to stay engaged.   
  • There are different ways to weave extrinsic motivation into curriculum planning.
  • Every child is unique, so customize these strategies to suit your child’s needs and aspirations.  

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