Motivation: No Easy Answers

Over the last 6 months we have had the privilege of working with teachers in leading schools across Delhi and Gurgaon. Just last week we were at @Shiv Nadar school, where we conducted a workshop on Growth Mindset, which we knew at the outset, would either sound like an overly simplistic concept or a very difficult idea to put into practice. As predicted, a rich debate ensued over nature vs nature’s role in talent, the role of habit, and mindsets, growth and improvement. But most interestingly, each time we run training at schools the same anguished question comes up.

And it goes something like this: I know how to deliver curriculum well, but how do I motivate my students? They have so much potential!?

To these sincere teachers, first we want to say that the reason there is no straight answer to your question, which we know stems from a sincere and generous heart to drive better outcomes for your students, is because there is none. Research on motivation science, Carol Dweck being a key figure, is still evolving, complex and is amorphous at best! Even the definition is still evolving. We are still in the process of answering how motivation is built? What drives it? Is it intrinsic, or extrinsic, is it driven by reward, recognition, social environment, peers, urge to compete, is still evolving and so is the impact on the learning environment and your teaching styles.

So here we are sharing some pioneering research on motivation? Our hope is to share the promise behind building a better understanding about complex models of motivation, what motivates different brains? (Different students!)?

• What is Motivation and Why Does It Matter?
• The Neuroscience of Growth Mindset and Intrinsic Motivation
• The science of motivation
• ?Self-determination theory of Motivation.?

Thank you.

With Grit & Gratitude

Vinati & Deepti