Motivation+and+the+Adult+Learner

**__ Motivation and the Adult Learner __** Motivation describes the mental state that energizes our actions or gives our behaviour purpose or direction. It is one essential element in the process of learning. Instructors cannot supply it to the learner. The way that an instructor delivers information will influence how learners respond and how learners see their chances for success. Motivation can be reflected by a student’s attention, concentration, effort, perseverance and initiative.

Since motivation is an essential element to the learning process, there can be no such thing as an unmotivated learner. I believe that instructors need to learn to “tap” into a learners drive in order to amplify their motivation. Feelings and attitudes mix together to help form a student’s motivation. Motivation may be driven by extrinsic or intrinsic factors. Examples of extrinsic motivation might be a student’s grades, the money they may make after graduation or the recognition from peers for having good grades. Intrinsic motivation may involve satisfying a student’s cognitive and emotional needs or when the student is interested in the subject matter for its own sake. Intrinsic motivation may become self- sustaining if it brings deeper interest. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation may be mixed in every student and may be co-dependant. Instructors need to find a way to implement both intrinsic and extrinsic learning styles into their lessons to motivate students.

__ Below are a few general points about how to motivate students. __

· Intrinsic motivation is most effective and longstanding as apposed to extrinsic. · Instructors can stimulate interest in a subject by showing competence and passion. · Learners need to find value in the material. · Instructors can help students set appropriate goals for their level. · Level of difficulty must be challenging but doable. · Every lesson or course must have a motivational strategy.

**__ 5 Factors For Promoting Motivation In Adult Learners: __**

1. ** Relevance: ** adult learners must feel that what they are learning will help them achieve their goals. 2. ** Competence: ** adult learners have a need to be independently competent. Learning knowledge and skills enhances  their competence. 3. ** Success: ** adult learners need to feel that success is possible. Ongoing regular feedback enhances their learning and  negative feedback can help them get back on track. 4. ** Utility: ** adult learners need to be able to apply their knowledge. Others need to see the learning as valuable as well. 5. ** Environment: ** adult learners feel that the people that they are learning with, the places they are learning in and  the learning processes used are important elements in their learning. They also feel that their physical and  emotional state are important factors for effective learning.

**__ Tips For Promoting Internal Motivation: __**

Motivation or intention gives strength and purpose to our actions and even our thoughts. Therefore, an adult learner that knows why they are learning something or performing an activity with perform it with more strength and purpose. We need to let our students know why they are performing a task or learning some material and bring them to the view that this learning is necessary and useful to them in the future. Instructors need to involve students in decisions about material, evaluations, timing of activities in order for them to take some ownership of the class. The students need to set goals and aim for them to the best of their ability. This brings more accountability to the student. Instructors need to recognize the individuality of their students without being judgemental. Students have different learning styles, work habits, and dressing habits. Instructors need to believe in their students. Instructors that believe in his students may influence the amount of effort the students make in their class. Instructors can support intrinsic reasons for learning by demonstrating a passion for the material.