2
Motivation, Values and Purpose Assignment
Motivation plays an important role in our lives, driving us toward achieving our goals
and desires. Regarding education, motivation is especially crucial as it can determine whether
we thrive or flounder academically. Drawing upon the concepts from the "Motivation and
Emotion" chapter, I will describe what motivates me in my educational pursuits.
As a student, my primary motivation stems from my intrinsic desire to learn and grow.
According to the self-determination theory (SDT), individuals have three innate psychological
needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. I found that when I have control over my
learning process, a sense of accomplishment in mastering challenging concepts, and a supportive
learning environment, I become more motivated to learn. Therefore, my motivation in my
educational pursuits largely hinges on these three psychological needs. I am more likely to
engage with the material and remain focused when I am in control of the learning process and
when I have the freedom to explore and experiment with different ideas. Additionally, when my
peers are surrounding me in conjunction with mentors who provide constructive feedback and
support, I feel more competent and connected to my educational goals.
Moving on to the Venn diagram in chapter one, I see how values and purpose are able to
inform one's motivational experience. The Venn diagram illustrates how "purpose" is at the
center of the intersection between what we care about (values), what we do (actions), and what
we aspire to (goals). This diagram resonates with me as I realize that my values and purpose
underlie my motivation for education. I value learning and personal growth, which can be seen
throughout my academic pursuits. Additionally, my "purpose" is to have the opportunity to have
a positive impact on the world, which is reflected in my desire to study subjects that are
meaningful and relevant.
3
The alignment between my values, purpose, and educational pursuits is critical in my
motivational experience. It gives me a sense of direction and meaning and helps me stay focused
on my long-term goals. For example, I find that when studying subjects that align with my
purpose and values, such as environmental science or social justice issues, I am more engaged
and motivated to learn. Conversely, when studying subjects that do not align with my purpose or
values, I am less motivated and find it challenging to remain focused.
In conclusion, motivation is a fundamental factor regarding education and drives
individuals toward achieving their goals and aspirations. The self-determination theory
highlights the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in fostering intrinsic
motivation. In addition, one’s values, purpose, and educational pursuits are critical in
maintaining motivation and staying focused on long-term goals. By understanding what
motivates us, we can create a supportive learning environment that encourages personal growth
and development, leading to academic success and the ability to have a positive impact on the
people around us.
4
Works Cited
George, S., Kelley, B., & Piferi, R. (2020). Introduction to Psychology from a Christian
Worldview. Vitalsource Bookshelf Online. Retrieved February 19, 2023, from
https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/reader/books/9798765736036/epubcfi/6/6[%3Bvnd.vs
t.idref%3DCopyright]!/4/14/1:20[-18%2C40]
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
