Write for an Academic Discussion

A professor has posted a question about a topic and students have responded with their thoughts and ideas. Make a contribution to the discussion.
You will have 10 minutes to write.

Your professor is teaching a class on educational psychology.

In your response, you should do the following.

• • Express and support your opinion.
• • Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 words.

Professor’s question:

In our study of motivation, we often distinguish between two types: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation comes from within—doing something because it's personally rewarding. Extrinsic motivation involves doing something for an external reward, like good grades or praise. For long-term academic success, which type of motivation do you think is more important for a student to develop, and why?

Student response 1:

I firmly believe intrinsic motivation is more crucial for long-term success. When students are genuinely curious about a subject, they learn more deeply and retain information longer. Furthermore, this internal drive fosters a lifelong love of learning, which is more valuable than any grade.

Student response 2:

While intrinsic motivation is ideal, I think extrinsic motivation is more realistic and necessary. In the real world, deadlines and performance reviews are key motivators. Therefore, learning to work for external rewards like grades prepares students for the practical demands of a future career and adult life.