How to build Intrinsic Motivation: a review of the science

Soon after I entered into year 12, something crazy happened: I started studying. Like – a lot. Between the ages of 12 and 16, I’d had no motivation for school whatsoever. I didn’t do my homework. I didn’t revise for my exams. I diligently ignored everything my teachers said to me. While I was doing my GCSEs, my parents would force me to sit in my room with no distractions and study for two hours each day. Rather than put this time to good use, I would simply sit at my desk, stare out the window, and run down the clock. But then suddenly, almost overnight, something changed: I started to care about doing well. I started to find my subjects interesting. I started to like – and listen to – my teachers. I developed absolute tunnel vision for my studies, and I eventually managed some of the best A Level grades in my entire school. From the outside, it looked like I had suddenly decided to knuckle down and start taking my studies seriously – but from the inside, this isn’t what happen ... Read full article.