Chapter 3: Motivation In Teaching Mathematics¹

Motivation! What impels a person to learn? What stimulates the learning process? How is a learning activity regulated? If motivation is the key to successful teaching then teachers must find answers to these questions. In so doing, they will be in a better position to guide learning efficiently.

There are conditions within the learner that initiates and regulates his/her activities when learning takes place. They include drives, sets, wants, needs and interests (Hartung, 1953). Basic or primary motives are commonly recognized as hunger, thirst, and sexual urges. They are inborn and connected with survival. Interests, attitudes, and purposes are acquired, secondary motives that are learned and individualized. Consequently, interests that serve as motives for one student may not be present within another.