Many well-developed theories surround the fostering of intrinsic motivation in educational environments, generally focusing on challenging and engaging students at their level of skill and interest. Educational theorist and practitioner John Dewey is lauded as the father of “experiential education,” a model wherein students engage in their studies through practical application. He posited that this approach led to deeper learning through tangible motivations instead of abstract standards.
In addition, rehearsing learning and understanding through practice helps reinforce and cement that learning. Progressive, alternative and even traditionalist schools have been incorporating experiential education as motivation for students to apply knowledge and learn even better.
If a student’s skill level far exceeds the challenge of their activity, they will be bored and unengaged. If they do not have the necessary skills to meet the challenge, their falling behind can create anxiety and a lower sense of self-worth, which can lead to a negative reinforcement cycle with potential for long-term damage to the student’s capacity to learn.
