I found out today that I am extrinsically motivated, which could be a bad thing, but at least I can admit that and that is step one in any problem. :-) I am motivated by good grades, money, recognition, extra credit, and (I also found out today) food. I learn better when something is fun. I really enjoyed both of the activities today on motivation and both groups did a very good job of making the activities fun and interesting. But because you can't give kids cupcakes everyday for a motivator I thought you could come up with a way to get them excited and motivated to do better for their own self esteem, not just for the grade. Now that may be hard for me to do because I'm more extrinsically motivated with a good grade or recognition of my accomplishments, but by setting realistic goals for my students and providing encouraging feedback I believe will set them up for success. Also, I believe that if you put some effort into some kids they will want to do better because they know someone believes in them. I would want them to see the relation between working hard and success and that is the main thing .
It's funny you say that about being extrinsically motivated. I meant to say something about how people in teaching (and other areas) always act like intrinsic motivation is superior. But recently I've decided that, if we really examine why we do things, there is usually a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic reward in most everything. Your idea at the end about relation is a good example. When you build a relationship with someone, and ask them to do something, you may end up giving them an external reward like praise or gratitude, and they might get an internal reward like feeling good for helping the relationship.
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