Module 34 Blog

Lauren Steinhardt

Ed Psych

GLE105 01

4/30/14

Question: Do you think it is generally true that first graders have more curiosity and are more motivated to learn than sixth graders or high school students? If so, can you explain the decline? Be careful to consider the development that occurs during this time period.

            I think that in general first graders are more curious about learning than older students because the school environment is newer, therefore making them more motivated to learn than high school students who have been going to school for a long time. At this age school is considered fun, and there are interactive activities such as celebrating birthdays or holidays within the classroom. Middle school is the time where motivation for learning lacks the most because children lack the knowledge of what they want to do. This motivation comes back in the later high school years because students are beginning to prepare for the college world. Students prepare to move forward with a college education and to have a career someday. These high school students may struggle with decisions and moving down what may seem to be the right path, but these are the most crucial years of high school. Although at this age, we develop intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. We do things to please people we love and to please ourselves which may help with motivation.