Are extrinsic motivators dying?

Motivating young minds is like unlocking a treasure chest - complex, challenging, but oh so rewarding! The landscape of education is evolving, and so is the nature of motivation, especially when it comes to our students. For years, our schools have primarily relied on external motivators to inspire learning, with grades and external pressures driving the educational engine. Back then, this system seemed to work wonders. Students strove for top grades, propelled by the support and encouragement of teachers and parents, believing that academic success was the golden ticket to promising careers.

But fast forward to today, and the picture has changed. Grades, while still significant, are losing some of their magic. There's this growing pressure for every student to reach extraordinary heights, resulting in what's known as "grade inflation." The gap between weaker and stronger students narrows, even though average intelligence levels remain unchanged. Teachers, facing parental pressures, might feel compelled to inflate grades, possibly due to the increased investment of resources and expectations placed on fewer children within families.

Enter "safetyism," a term coined by Jonathan Haidt, describing a trend where parents' increased involvement limits children's learning through fewer chances for trial and error. This protective environment might inadvertently diminish children's motivation at school, as the safety net seems always in place.

The digital realm plays its role too. With the vast ocean of content available on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, school feels less enticing. These captivating bite-sized snippets chip away at attention spans, making extended focus a rarity. Educators now have the challenge of crafting engaging materials to captivate their audience amidst this sea of distractions.

So, what's our game plan for today's education? It's about balancing external motivations like grades with nurturing internal passions for learning. Let's teach our students not just to study for the grades but to fall in love with learning itself. One exciting approach is through inquiry-based learning, where students take the reins of their learning journey. Imagine a unit exploring space through the lens of water, uncovering the intricate connections between water and life. They'd dive deep, employing technology to hunt for extraterrestrial water sources, sparking a lifelong love for exploration and discovery! 🚀🔍🌌

And for our younger learners, how about a thrilling inquiry-based project? Imagine delving into the secret lives of animals – researching their habitats, diets, and behaviors! Let them embrace their curiosity, sparking a journey of wonder and exploration. 🐾🔍✨