Motivation Theory and Its Relationship to Adult Learning

What motivates students to achieve success?

Motivation is a powerful force which enables an individual to pursue a wanted goal. This presentation will focus on the tools in which individuals use to attain this goal.

Before participating in this exercise the participant will: Verbalize characteristics of adult learners Discuss two barriers to learning Determine a situation which recently occurred where you were motivated to pursue a goal

Characteristics of Adult Learners: According to Matthew Knowles, adults are: Self directed Can formulate life experiences into their learning experiences Goal oriented

What factors help motivate individuals to pursue success? Social Relationships Create relationships with peers in an effort to make new friends Compliance with expectations of others Meet the expectations of what others would like for them to do Social advancements Create a new role as a member of society; one who is now contributing to and their community as a whole Personal advancement Fulfilling a personal void involving changing job status or furthering one’s career Stimulation Relieve boredom or pursue a new interest in a given area Cognitive Interest To satisfy one’s own need to achieve a particular goal

Barriers against learning Lack of motivation to learn Lack of supportive relationship with educator Inability to use technology Cost of education Accessibility of educational outlet

Historical Views on Motivation

Fred Herzberg’s Motivational Theory “Motivation is another factor which contributes to an adult learners need to pursue success. According to Herzberg, “an individual is driven by factors which include: achievement, advancement, and recognition.”

Maslow’s Motivational Theory The basis of Maslow's motivation theory is that human beings are motivated by unsatisfied needs, and that certain lower factors need to be satisfied before higher needs can be satisfied. According to Maslow, there are general types of needs (physiological, survival, safety, love, and esteem) that must be satisfied before a person can act unselfishly. He called these needs "deficiency needs." As long as we are motivated to satisfy these cravings, we are moving towards growth, toward self-actualization. Satisfying needs is healthy, while preventing gratification makes us sick or act evilly.

Macgregor’s Theory X and Y

The Expectancy Theory Expectancy theory is comprised of three components: Expectancy, Instrumentality, and Valance.

Attribution Theory Weiner developed a theoretical framework that has become very influential in social psychology today. Attribution theory assumes that people try to determine why people do what they do, that is, interpret causes to an event or behavior. A three-stage process underlies an attribution: behavior must be observed/perceived behavior must be determined to be intentional behavior attributed to internal or external causes

Similarities of Theorists on Motivation They require the individual to be they can achieve a chosen goal They all rely on the individual to utilize internal factors to help achieve goal Negative reinforcement occurs when a individual is not successful with attaining their chosen goal

Differences of Theories Individual pursue goals for specific reasons Factors may be intrinsic or external which are determined based on the theorist’s beliefs Each theory has a different outcome for the individual once the goal is attained

Methods Used by Educators to Motivate Adult Learners to Achieve Success Engaging students in active learning Providing Positive Feedback Assisting students in setting realistic goals Identifying goals (Job Advancement, Increased Salaries, Grades)

What impact does motivation have on learning? Does the student have a support system? Is there effective communication present between the student and the instructor? Is the individual’s learning experience reflect the reasons for the pursuit of the educational experience initially?

Personal Reflection on Motivation My pursuit of higher education and career advancement are influenced by several factors: The need to fulfill a personal goal of becoming a professor at the college level The want to make my mother, son and family happy and the need to make them feel proud of me Wanting to attain career advancement

Feedback from Current Students on Motivation to Achieve Success