The role of extrinsic motivation towards students' learning

Abstract

This study examines the role of extrinsic motivation in enhancing students' learning. Due to a lack of extrinsic motivation, students in primary school struggle with low engagement and academic achievement. The lack of parental and teacher support during the COVID-19 pandemic made this problem worse. This emphasizes the necessity of investigating how extrinsic motivators can improve the learning of fourth-grade students. Based on teacher interviews and student focus group discussions, the study finds that effective use of extrinsic motivators can significantly increase participation and effort. Teachers identified strategies like reward systems, verbal praise, and personalized feedback as impactful, while students noted that peer recognition and tangible rewards encouraged their efforts. However, challenges such as ensuring fair distribution of rewards and avoiding over-reliance on external incentives were highlighted. The findings emphasize balancing extrinsic and intrinsic motivators to sustain long-term engagement and guide educators and policymakers in creating supportive learning atmosphere.