Let's Discuss: Motivation and Adult Learning

List and describe important factors associated with motivation in adult learning. Describe how these factors encourage learning.

Understanding what motivates the individual can be complex; however, understanding some of the factors contributing to motivation is critical. Gom (2009) identified that motivations could be divided into two types of motivations (i.e., intrinsic and external factors), and both are applicable to the adult learner. Jones (2013) identified the significance of heightening the learner's attention, increasing their sense of informational relevance, building their confidence, and enhancing their levels of satisfaction as part of understanding what motivates the adult learner. Mellard et al.'s (2013) research identified numerous dispositional factors that affect the motivations of adult learners, which include understanding student goals, goal-directed thinking, and actions.?

Intrinsic Motivational Factors: Mellard et al.'s (2013) research recognized that intrinsic factors are the willingness and desire of the learners to engage in the learning process actively. Jones (2013) highlighted that; intrinsic reinforcements heighten the learner's internal enjoyment of the learning that has occurred. Incentives as a reward mechanism are not what's desired by this type of motivated learner because the reward itself is being part of the learning activity. Gom (2009) identified that the love for being included in the intellectual activity keeps this type of learner engaged and motivated.?

External Motivational Factors: Gom (2009) highlighted that learners that are motivated through external factors commit to time and effort investments to progress through the learning process. Why? Because at the end of the program, they are rewarded with a promotion, pay increase, higher level of qualification, certificate of completion, degrees, etc. Hedijani et al. (2016) identified that within the educational system, these rewards would be in the form of praise, gold stickers, or grades to improve the learner's performance. ??

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References:

Gom, O. (2009). Motivation and Adult Learning. Contemporary PNG Studies: DWU Research Journal, 10, 17-25. Available in the Trident Online Library

Hendijani, R., Bischak, D., Arvai, J., & Dugar, S. (2016). Intrinsic motivation, external reward, and their effect on overall motivation and performance. Human Performance, 29(4), 251-274. https://doi.org/10.1080/08959285.2016.1157595

Jones, A. (2013) Increasing Adult Learner Motivation for Completing self-directed E-Learning. Performance improvement (International Society for Performance Improvement), 52, 7-32, ISSN: 1090-8811. Available in the Trident Online Library

Mellard D., Krieshok, T., Fall, E, and Woods, K. (2013). Dispositional factors affecting motivation during learning in adult basic and secondary education programs. Read Write, 26(4):515-538. Available in the Trident Online Library