Prepared by: Prof. Abdul Salam Jawdat Jassim
Head of the Department of Educational and Psychological Sciences

Building intrinsic motivation in students is one of the most important elements for the success of the educational process, as it enables students to learn with self-motivation and an internal desire, not just for exam performance or teacher satisfaction. The following are the most important methods and strategies for building intrinsic motivation in students:

First: What is intrinsic motivation?
It is the motivation that stems from within the student, where they learn because they enjoy learning itself or see value and meaning in it, rather than for external reward.

Second: Strategies for building intrinsic motivation:

1. Connect learning to the student's life and interests.

Provide examples from the student's real life.

Explain how the subject matter can help them in the future.

Use topics that arouse their curiosity.

2. Promote a sense of accomplishment:

Break tasks into small, masterable steps.

Provide positive and encouraging feedback.

Celebrate improvement, not just the final results.

3. Encouraging Independence:
_ Giving students the freedom to choose certain topics or project implementation methods.
_ Empowering them to make their own decisions in the classroom.
_ Encouraging critical thinking and independent thinking.

4. Building Positive Relationships with the Teacher:
_ A sense of safety and support in the classroom fosters a desire to learn.
_ An understanding and motivating teacher is an inspiring role model.

5. Cultivating a love of challenge and problem-solving:
_ Offering activities that require thinking and analysis rather than memorization.
_ Reinforcing the idea that mistakes are an opportunity to learn.

6. Supporting Intrinsic Motivation through Meaning:
_ Helping students find deeper meaning in learning.
_ Linking the curriculum to important values ​​and principles, such as personal values, citizenship values, and belonging.

Third: The Role of the Classroom Environment:
_ Making the classroom a positive, comfortable place.
_ Respecting opinions and encouraging expression.
_ Reducing threats or punishments and increasing encouragement and motivation.

Building intrinsic motivation doesn't happen overnight. It's an ongoing process that requires understanding students' needs and encouraging them to grow and learn for themselves.

(AL_Mustaqbal University is the number one university in Iraq)