Student motivation is a student's desire to participate in the learning process.

It is the meaningfulness, value, and benefits that an academic task has to the
learner. Students can be motivated by many strange things, but when it comes
down to it, motivation can either be intrinsic or extrinsic.
Extrinsic motivation is characterized by factors that are external to the self.
The student is motivated to learn or achieve not by personal interest or desire
for growth, but from a desire to please others by meeting expectations set by
parents, teachers, or factors like a desired GPA. External motivation can also
involve punishment and reward. Students might fear the punishment
associated with getting a poor grade or desire the reward that comes alongside
a high GPA. Either way, a students’ desire to learn doesn’t motivate him or
her; instead, the incentive is the fear of failure or glow of success.

Intrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is characterized by a deeply interest in

a topic and an understanding of its relevance. Students desire to learn not just
to achieve a grade or earn a reward, but because they want to expand their
knowledge. Students who are intrinsically motivated read for assignments, but
also do so because they enjoy it and want to gain mastery of a subject.
Despite the fact that factintrinsic motivation can be difficult to foster in
students since it stems from individual desires that vary from person to
person, teachers and parents try to turn into intrinsic motivation by praising
students frequently and provide constructive criticism as needed, etc.

In a nutshell, Research has found that optimal outcomes are achieved by

establishing a balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Extrinsic
motivation helps students become driven and competitive, while intrinsic
motivation supports seeking knowledge for its own sake. Ultimately, fostering
both types of motivation helps students develop good study habits and an
investment in learning.