Also known as need theory, the content theory of motivation mainly focuses on the internal factors that energize and direct human behavior.1 Most motivation theorists assume that motivation is involved in the performance of all learned responses; that is, a learned behavior will not occur unless it is energized. The major question among psychologists, in general, is whether motivation is a primary or secondary influence on behavior. That is, are changes in behavior better explained by principles of environmental/ecological influences, perception, memory, cognitive development, emotion, explanatory style, or personality or are concepts unique to motivation more pertinent.2
Here is a great video that uses humor to show three of the theories, while also clearly representing how learners can be motivated through creativity.
Candy, Dewey, Lave, Piaget, Rogoff, von Glaserfeld, Vygotsky
View of the Learning Process
Change in behavior
A personal act to fulfill development
Information processing (including insight, memory, perception, metacognition)
Interaction with and observation of others in a social context
Construction of meaning from experience
Locus of Learning
Stimuli in external environment
Affective and developmental needs
Internal cognitive structure
Interaction of person, behavior, environment
Individual and social construction of knowledge
Purpose of Learning
To produce behavioral change in desired direction
To become self-actualized, mature, autonomous
To develop capacity and skills to learn better
To learn new roles and behaviors
To construct knowledge
Instructor's Role
Arrange environment to elicit desired response
Facilitate development of whole person
Structure content of learning activity
Model and guide new roles and behaviors
Facilitate and negotiate meaning-making with learner
Manifestation in Adult Learning
Behavioral objectives
Accountability
Performance improvement
Skill development
HRD and training
Andragogy
Self-directed learning
Cognitive development
Transformational learning
Learning how to learn
Social role acquisition
Intelligence, learning, and memory as related age
Socialization
Self-directed learning
Locus of control
mentoring
Experiential learning
Transformational learning
Reflective practice
Communities of practice
Situated learning
Each is based on different assumptions about the nature of learning and you will have to decide which strategy you will use to motivate and enhance your instruction.
Theories of Motivation
Also known as need theory, the content theory of motivation mainly focuses on the internal factors that energize and direct human behavior.1 Most motivation theorists assume that motivation is involved in the performance of all learned responses; that is, a learned behavior will not occur unless it is energized. The major question among psychologists, in general, is whether motivation is a primary or secondary influence on behavior. That is, are changes in behavior better explained by principles of environmental/ecological influences, perception, memory, cognitive development, emotion, explanatory style, or personality or are concepts unique to motivation more pertinent.2Here is a great video that uses humor to show three of the theories, while also clearly representing how learners can be motivated through creativity.
3
Five Orientations to Learning4
There are dozens of motivation theories and the following table summarizes different orientations to learning which include motivation theories.Each is based on different assumptions about the nature of learning and you will have to decide which strategy you will use to motivate and enhance your instruction.
References