LEARNING JOURNAL UNIT 5

Reflection Topic: Intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation

1. Describe an example of when you were extrinsically motivated by

something. What was your goal and what motivated you?

I’m someone who sleeps until 9:00 a.m. most weekends, so it was very
out of character for me to wake up early in the morning in working days. But I
have to get up early in the morning to reach my office on time and prevent
being late. I know my non-self-determined behaviour is driven by the
obligation or responsibility of being on time in the office.

2. Describe an example of when you were intrinsically motivated by

something. What was your goal and what motivated you?

I spend my maximum spare time learning new IT-related skills online

just because it’s internally rewarding to me, and I love learning a lot of
technical skills. I do it because it’s fun, enjoyable, and very satisfying for me. I
feel myself motivated by my strong internal desire to learn new skills for my
own sake and personal enjoyment. I desire to learn new skills because I am
eager to learn.

3. Based on your examples, explain the difference between intrinsic

motivation and extrinsic motivation. Was one more effective? Be sure to
reflect on how each type of motivation made you feel.

Extrinsic motivation originates from the outside world; an outside force

directs our wants to carry out a task. In my case, the fear of getting late
directs me to get up early in the morning. Noting that the activity will still be
beneficial for the person conducting it even while the external stimuli are
present, the task must be completed.

When we are motivated intrinsically, internal factors are what are

driving us. Because the results of a particular task are in line with our beliefs
or because it satisfies a need, the task has importance linked to it, and the
person wants to do it. Our deep-rooted desires have the highest motivational
power.The best way to accomplish long-term objectives is through intrinsic
motivation. We get happier as a result of it. It appeals to our identity,
enthusiasm, feelings, and intelligence.

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4. Finally, based on what you have learned about motivation,
describe what motivates you to learn. Are you an intrinsically motivated
learner or an extrinsically motivated learner? Why?

When it comes to learning, I'm an intrinsically motivated learner. I'm

motivated to learn because of the desire that comes from within me to learn a
lot of new and latest skills. I learn with self-motivation, as there is no outside
pressure to perform or meet deadlines.