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 directedCan formulate life

experiences into their learning experiences

Goal oriented

What factors help motivate individuals to pursue success?

Social RelationshipsCreate 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 doSocial advancementsCreate a new role as a member of society; one who is now contributing to

and their community as a wholePersonal advancementFulfilling a personal void involving changing job status or furthering one’s

careerStimulation

Relieve boredom or pursue a new interest in a given areaCognitive InterestTo satisfy one’s own need to achieve a particular goal

Barriers against learning

Lack of motivation to learnLack of supportive

relationship with educatorInability to use technologyCost 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.

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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.

http://www.businessballs.com/images/maslow_hierarchy.htm

Macgregor’s Theory X and Y

The Expectancy Theory

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

Attribution TheoryWeiner 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