Running head: ASPECTS OF MOTIVATION 1
Aspects of Motivation in Education
Introduction to Psychology
Williston State College
Aspects of Motivation in Education
, ASPECTS OF MOTIVATION 2
Motivation is the act or process of providing something (such as a need or desire) that
causes a person to act. Motivation is what makes people want to and obtain a sense of
achievement. Not just for the needs of one’s food, water, and shelter, but for what they might
experience or take away from the work that they do (Wade & Tavris, 2017). Some people work
to do well, while others work to just get it done. Modern research and data has explored different
aspects of motivation, especially in college students.
Almost every adult works, including students, some work at studying and completing
degrees or advancing in his or her job (Wade & Tavris, 2017). Although the students are at
college for the benefit of his or her education, there must be other determining factors explaining
their will to persevere and succeed. There are many attributes that could influence a student’s
motivation (Brophy, 1999). Some aspects are goal driven (performance, mastery) and are
influenced by gender, ethnic differences, and academic efficacy (D’Lima, Winsler & Kitsantas,
2014).
Aspects of Motivation
Specific Goals
To understand achieving motivation, modern researchers emphasize one’s goals rather
than inner drives, and the best ways to set yourself up to achieve them. Goals are the certain
standards that people set up for themselves to achieve in order to benefit themselves or other
people. When individuals think about his or her goals, it is effective to think about the goal
specifically. Defining a goal ambiguously with phrases like “do your best” leaves the goal
questionable and ineffective. Being specific with the goal, such as what you want to do and when
Aspects of Motivation in Education
Introduction to Psychology
Williston State College
Aspects of Motivation in Education
, ASPECTS OF MOTIVATION 2
Motivation is the act or process of providing something (such as a need or desire) that
causes a person to act. Motivation is what makes people want to and obtain a sense of
achievement. Not just for the needs of one’s food, water, and shelter, but for what they might
experience or take away from the work that they do (Wade & Tavris, 2017). Some people work
to do well, while others work to just get it done. Modern research and data has explored different
aspects of motivation, especially in college students.
Almost every adult works, including students, some work at studying and completing
degrees or advancing in his or her job (Wade & Tavris, 2017). Although the students are at
college for the benefit of his or her education, there must be other determining factors explaining
their will to persevere and succeed. There are many attributes that could influence a student’s
motivation (Brophy, 1999). Some aspects are goal driven (performance, mastery) and are
influenced by gender, ethnic differences, and academic efficacy (D’Lima, Winsler & Kitsantas,
2014).
Aspects of Motivation
Specific Goals
To understand achieving motivation, modern researchers emphasize one’s goals rather
than inner drives, and the best ways to set yourself up to achieve them. Goals are the certain
standards that people set up for themselves to achieve in order to benefit themselves or other
people. When individuals think about his or her goals, it is effective to think about the goal
specifically. Defining a goal ambiguously with phrases like “do your best” leaves the goal
questionable and ineffective. Being specific with the goal, such as what you want to do and when
