Introduction
Students have read about how motivation refers to the physical
and mental factors that cause us to act in specific ways at
specific times. In this exercise, students will research theories
of motivation to propose ways in which to motivate a three-legged
race team.
Lesson Description
Students will use information from the Motivation Web site
to learn about aspects of motivation. Students will review
definitions of motivation, examine the differences between
extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, read about the sources
of motivational needs, and examine the theories of motivation.
Students will then answer four questions and apply this information
by labeling the motivations of each team member of a three-legged
race and devising a plan for motivating the team to win.
Instructional Objectives
1. Students will be able to summarize the theories of motivation
and identify sources of motivational needs.
2. Students will be able to use this knowledge to label the
motivations of an imagined team and devise a plan for motivating
the team to win a race.
Student Web Activity Answers
1. Extrinsic motivation is based on some motivating factor
outside of the person. Intrinsic motivation is an internal
force within a person. Intrinsic motivation can be further
described as either body/physical, mind/mental, or transpersonal/spiritual.
2. Biological motivations include the need to increase or
decrease stimulation (arousal), to activate senses, to decrease
discomfort, and to maintain homeostasis. Students' examples
will vary.
3. The father is responding to esteem needs. Since he is highly
competitive, he probably uses success to feel good about himself.
Since the toddler is tired, physiological needs dominate her
motivations. The stepsister is motivated by the need to belong.
She is trying to avoid feelings of rejection or ostracism
if she fails or looks silly. Students' interpretations about
their own responses will vary.
4. The father may be frustrated because his esteem needs and
his goals of winning were not met. The toddler may not care
if the child is allowed to satisfy her biological need (i.e.
take a nap). The teenager may experience feelings of decreased
confidence or, conversely, she may have an increased sense
of belongingness with the rest of her family as a result of
her participation. Students' interpretations of their own
responses will vary.
5. Students' charts will vary. Students should use definitions
and descriptions obtained from both the Web site and their
textbooks to complete their charts.
