Motivating strategies in science education: Attempt at an analysis

Abstract

The question of how science education can be conducted so that it has a motivating effect upon the learner is considered. A distinction is proposed between interest arousal which can be brought about by an appropriate selection and structuring of subject matter included in a curriculum; and motivational enhancement which, it is suggested, is brought about by the choice of pedagogical strategies that are in accord with students’ intrinsic motivational patterns. In relation to the latter, an analysis of the types of motivational pattern is presented. Their implications for the choice of educational strategies in science education are also discussed.