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The Science of Motivation

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Daniel Donnellan

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

The Science of Motivation

Understand intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation

This lesson explores the psychology and neuroscience behind motivation, focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Through engaging discussions and activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of what drives human behavior. This lesson is important as it helps students recognize the factors that influence their own motivation and how they can apply this understanding to improve their personal and academic lives.

Audience

High School Psychology Students

Time

1 hour 30 mins

Approach

Understand intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation

Materials

Discussion Questions, Worksheet on Motivation Types, Quiz on Motivation Concepts, Answer Key for Quiz, and Printable Motivation Cards

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

  • Begin with a brief overview of motivation and its importance in psychology.
  • Introduce the concepts of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
  • Explain the objectives of the lesson.

Step 2

Discussion on Motivation

20 mins

  • Use the provided discussion questions to facilitate a conversation about what motivates students in different scenarios.
  • Encourage students to share personal experiences related to motivation.

Step 3

Activity: Identifying Motivation Types

20 mins

  • Distribute the worksheet on motivation types.
  • Have students work individually or in pairs to complete the worksheet.
  • Discuss the answers as a class.

Step 4

Group Activity: Motivation Cards

20 mins

  • Provide each group with a set of printable motivation cards.
  • Ask groups to categorize the cards into intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
  • Have groups present their categorizations and reasoning to the class.

Step 5

Quiz on Motivation Concepts

15 mins

  • Administer the quiz to assess students' understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
  • Collect the quizzes for grading.

Step 6

Closure

5 mins

  • Summarize the key points of the lesson.
  • Encourage students to reflect on how they can apply these concepts to their own lives.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions on Motivation

This discussion will help students explore their own motivations and understand the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

What are some activities you do because you enjoy them, not because you have to?

Encourage students to think about hobbies or interests that they pursue for personal satisfaction.







Can you think of a time when you were motivated by a reward or external factor?

Guide students to consider situations where they were driven by grades, money, or recognition.







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Worksheet

Worksheet on Motivation Types

This worksheet will help students identify and differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation through various scenarios.

List three activities you do for intrinsic reasons and explain why.

Think about activities you do for personal satisfaction or enjoyment.







List three activities you do for extrinsic reasons and explain why.

Consider activities you do for rewards or to avoid negative consequences.







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Quiz

Quiz on Motivation Concepts

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Answer Key

Answer Key for Quiz on Motivation Concepts

This answer key provides the correct answers and explanations for the quiz on motivation concepts.

Which of the following is an example of intrinsic motivation?

Playing a sport because you enjoy it
Intrinsic motivation is driven by internal satisfaction and enjoyment.

What is extrinsic motivation?

Motivation driven by external rewards
Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards or avoiding negative outcomes.

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Worksheet

Printable Motivation Cards

These cards are used for a group activity to help students categorize examples of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.




Reading a book for pleasure







Studying for a test to get a good grade







Volunteering because it feels rewarding







Exercising to stay healthy







Working a job for a paycheck







Participating in a competition for a trophy




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