(303) 979-9077
(303) 979-9077
[email protected]At Mathnasium of Littleton we know that internal motivation is the biggest factor for success in math. Bookstores and libraries are filled with volumes about how intrinsically motivated people succeed far more than people with low intrinsic motivation.
Five Levels of the Math Motivation Ladder
1. Top level - Pure Intrinsic Motivation: Intrinsically motivated people do math for the sheer pleasure of doing math. It stimulates their brain and they enjoy it. Think of an activity you personally enjoy - reading a book, gardening, taking a walk, or listening to music. Many people find math as enjoyable as others find these activities and no one has to encourage them to do it. They may spend time each day trying their hand at challenging math problems, Soduko-like puzzles or reading about math. Many of our instructors fit this category. They will be ones who chose math-related careers. That doesn’t mean they find every mathematical exercise pleasurable (just like a hiker may not enjoy every trail), but in general they do enjoy math.
2. 2nd Rung from the Top - Mix of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation: Children with a mix of motivation study math without being cajoled by their parents but they rarely engage in math for the pure joy of it. They understand that studying math is important for getting good grades, going to college, finding a career and making money. They find mild satisfaction in doing it well. They see their success in math as a means to a goal, like becoming a doctor.
3. In the Middle of the Ladder - Pure Extrinsic Motivation: These children study math because they earn a reward for doing so. The reward could be praise, a good grade, a toy, money or screen time. While they will get extra practice and their math skills will improve, they will only put forth the minimum effort they can to get the reward. They likely don’t practice math skills with as much concentration as those on the top two tiers of the ladder. Many adults might relate this to doing a job they aren't passionate about or don’t like. They do it for the paycheck, but would rather do something else. They do not get deep satisfaction out of doing a good job.
4. 2nd Rung from the Bottom - Fear based Motivation: These children have strong negative emotions such as anxiety or anger while doing math. The outward expression of their negative emotions might look like apathy or goofing off. Children who are operating at this motivation level only crack a book or do their homework when threatened with something even more negative. This is similar to how most adults feel about getting a root canal. Choosing between the pain of the decayed tooth and the discomfort of the root canal, they eventually choose the root canal. Choosing between spending their summer in math class and studying now for a test, these children may (or may not) study for a test. If this describes your child, you will need a creative strategy to get them started on the right path.
5. Bottom Level of the Ladder - Zero Motivation: This is rock bottom of the motivation ladder. There is no way your child will willingly engage in math. Luckily, this rarely happens. If your child is here, start with baby steps toward increasing their motivation. Ask them what turned them off of math in the first place. Sometimes a little empathy and listening goes a long way towards opening up the pathways of discussion.
Children Move Up (and Down) the Intrinsic Motivational Ladder
As children feel more successful in math they will move up the motivational ladder. If they start feeling less successful, as often happens when they start algebra or get moved a grade ahead, they will lose some intrinsic motivation. Children who use math as part of their play and are creative with math will also increase their intrinsic math motivation. If they only do math drills, they will lose math motivation.
Mathnasium of Littleton does offer some rewards, extrinsic motivation, to entice children on the lower rungs of the motivational ladder to show up for math enrichment. After all, you can’t increase your math motivation level, without engaging in math. Our goal is to gradually increase a child's intrinsic motivation. We increase motivation by having fun with math, making sure the lessons are at the right level for each child to feel successful.
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