A Closer Look at Intrinsic Motivation: The Key Driver Behind Our Programs

October 24, 2024

At Behind the Book, we believe in the power of intrinsic motivation to transform young people's relationship with reading and writing. Our mission has always been to inspire young people to cultivate their vast potential through programs centered on diverse books and authors. In our school program, we create an environment in which students are excited to read, learn, and express. Intrinsic Motivation science has proven that our approach fosters student growth and well-being. Evaluations show that–in just 8 weeks, one 45-minute session per week–students report that reading and writing makes them happier than before the program. They have also reported feeling more excited about exploring new interests. But what exactly is intrinsic motivation, and why does it matter so much in education?

Understanding Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation is the drive to engage in an activity simply because it brings inherent satisfaction rather than external rewards. Intrinsic Motivation Theory is a school of thought backed by over 40 years of developmental psychology research which shows that when people feel motivated from within, they achieve higher levels of performance, maintain continuous participation, and experience greater overall satisfaction and well-being.

The 3 Basic Psychological Needs That Lead to Intrinsic Motivation

Our programs are carefully designed around three fundamental psychological needs that foster intrinsic motivation:

Autonomy: Giving students a voice and willingly engaging them in decision-making is crucial. In our programs, students select a book that interests them and we then encourage them to express their authentic perspectives through art and writing. We’ve chosen to take this approach because experiencing autonomy, whether in work, school, relationships, or daily life deeply affects individual wellness.

Relatedness: Feeling connected and included is important for learning. Our programs help students build stronger bonds with their classmates, feel respected, and engage with the diverse books. This sense of belonging created by a supportive environment is essential for creativity to thrive.

Competence: People need to feel successful when undertaking activities. Our programs give students the opportunity to grow and succeed, making them feel competent in their reading and writing journey.

At Behind the Book, we're not just teaching literacy – we're planting seeds and nurturing young children’s drive to learn, create, and grow. By centering our programs on intrinsic motivation, we're helping students develop for themselves a sustainable, lifelong love of reading and writing that will serve them well after the program and beyond the classroom.