Motivating students is one of the most rewarding—and challenging—parts of teaching. While the ultimate goal is to nurture intrinsic motivation, or a love of learning that comes from within, we often rely on extrinsic motivation, like rewards, to get students engaged and moving in the right direction. The good news? These two forms of motivation don’t have to compete. In fact, they can complement each other beautifully.
In this post, we’ll explore how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation can work hand-in-hand in the classroom, and we’ll share some fun, practical reward systems that can help your students build the habits and mindset they need for long-term success.
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: What’s the Difference?
Intrinsic Motivation: This is when students learn because they enjoy it, are curious, or find it meaningful. A child who loves reading and eagerly picks up a book to explore a topic they’re curious about is intrinsically motivated. Read more here.
Extrinsic Motivation: This is when students are motivated by external rewards or consequences. A student who completes their homework to earn a sticker or avoid losing recess is extrinsically motivated.
Both forms of motivation have their place in the classroom. Intrinsic motivation is the ultimate goal because it leads to a lifelong love of learning, but for younger or less-engaged students, extrinsic motivation can serve as a helpful bridge to get them started.
Using Extrinsic Motivation as a Stepping Stone to Intrinsic Motivation
Extrinsic rewards can help students:
Develop Good Habits: Rewards encourage students to build habits like completing homework, participating in discussions, or working well with peers. Over time, these habits can become internalized.
Feel Successful: Positive reinforcement can boost confidence, especially for students who might not yet feel capable of intrinsic motivation.
Experience the Joy of Learning: Fun and engaging rewards can help students see learning as something exciting, rather than a chore.
However, the key is to use rewards strategically:
Tie rewards to effort and improvement, not just outcomes.
Gradually phase out rewards, replacing them with intrinsic motivators like self-reflection, praise, and the joy of achievement.
Choose rewards that align with classroom values and promote collaboration, curiosity, or autonomy.
Practical and Fun Reward Systems for the Classroom
Here are some simple reward systems you can set up in your classroom, designed to motivate students while helping them take steps toward intrinsic motivation.
1. The "Effort and Growth" Tracker
How it works: Create a chart or bulletin board where students can track their progress toward personal goals. These goals might include mastering multiplication tables, completing reading assignments, or improving behaviour.
The reward: Students earn small rewards (e.g., a star sticker or a classroom privilege) for effort, persistence, and growth. Over time, the emphasis should shift to celebrating the satisfaction of reaching a goal rather than the reward itself.
2. Classroom Economy
How it works: Set up a simple classroom economy where students earn "classroom cash" for completing tasks, helping others, or showing positive behaviour. They can spend this cash on fun rewards like extra recess, choosing a classroom game, or a "no homework" pass. An end -of-term auction is also great fun. Ask students to bring items - books/toys etc - from home that they would like to donate, and students participate in the auction using their reward cash.
Why it works: This system introduces responsibility and decision-making, skills that can build intrinsic motivation.
3. Mystery Motivators
How it works: Write several rewards (e.g., 10 minutes of free play, a fun science experiment, or a movie afternoon) on slips of paper and hide them in envelopes. When the class reaches a behaviour or learning goal, they get to open an envelope to reveal the mystery reward. Read more about how you can set up a successful goal-setting procedure in your classroom HERE.
Why it works: The excitement of the unknown keeps students engaged, while the rewards themselves reinforce the value of teamwork or effort.
4. Caught Being Kind/Helpful Jar
How it works: Place a jar in the classroom and add a marble or token each time a student is caught being kind, helping a peer, or showing perseverance. When the jar is full, the class earns a group reward like a party or outdoor play session.
Why it works: This system encourages collaboration and fosters a positive classroom culture, which are key elements of intrinsic motivation.
5. Choose Your Reward
How it works: Let students have a say in their rewards. Create a menu of choices (e.g., extra art time, sitting in the teacher’s chair for a day, or listening to music while working). As students meet their goals, they get to pick their reward.
Why it works: Giving students autonomy and choice helps them feel more invested in their learning.
6. Gamified Learning
How it works: Turn lessons into games where students can earn points or badges for completing tasks, collaborating with peers, or demonstrating mastery of a skill. For example, a "Math Quest" might have students earn badges as they complete problem-solving challenges.
Why it works: Gamification taps into students’ natural curiosity and desire for achievement, making learning feel like play.
Transitioning from Extrinsic to Intrinsic Motivation
To help students move from relying on external rewards to developing intrinsic motivation, try these strategies:
Celebrate Reflection Over Rewards
When a student earns a reward, take a moment to reflect with them: “How did it feel to complete that project?” or “What are you most proud of?” Shift the focus to the satisfaction of the achievement itself.
Praise the Process, Not Just the Outcome
Instead of saying, “You got an A—great job!” say, “I’m impressed with how hard you worked to understand that material!” This reinforces the value of effort and persistence.
Gradually Phase Out Rewards
Over time, reduce the frequency of rewards. For example, if you start by giving stickers daily, transition to weekly, then monthly, and eventually replace them with verbal praise and self-assessment.
Incorporate Real-World Applications
Help students see the relevance of their learning by connecting it to real-world contexts. For instance, show how math is used in planning a budget or how writing skills are essential for storytelling.
Conclusion: Balancing the Two
Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation don’t have to be at odds. In fact, they work best when used together. Reward systems can provide the structure and encouragement students need to build habits, confidence, and engagement, while intrinsic motivation is the ultimate goal that leads to a lifelong love of learning.
As a teacher, you can thoughtfully combine these approaches to meet your students where they are and guide them toward where you want them to be: motivated, curious, and ready to learn for the joy of it.
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