Motivation in Education

Abstract

Motivation is what moves us to do something. It involves energy and drive to learn, work effectively and achieve potential. Motivation also plays a large part in the interest and enjoyment of learning. Research suggests that salient motivations determine what activities people do or do not engage in (“attraction”), how long they engage in these activities (“retention”) and the depth to which they engage in these activities (“concentration”). Motivation is particularly relevant to learning because engaging in learning is an active process requiring conscious and deliberate activities. Therefore, motivation may determine what attracts individuals to learning. In an academic setting, motivation and learning are integrally related; this means that for learning to take place, motivation is important. Motivation in education is also important for deep learning and good academic performance as well as positive learner well-being and satisfaction. In the case of medical education, these are expected to contribute towards students becoming good doctors. This chapter will discuss the science of motivation and then will try to answer the important questions: To what extent are medical students intrinsically or extrinsically motivated? Why do we need to know? Which type of motivation is useful in medical education? It will then discuss the science and art of motivation, followed by discussion of motivation and self-regulation. The chapter will discuss also motivation in medical education, teaching, clinical as well as problem-based learning. It will expand to discuss motivation of medical school and medical profession applicants, and then it will conclude with motivation and e-learning.