How to be Motivated

Motivation (やる気)

If I had more motivation, I would study more.
If I had more motivation, I would try harder.
If I had more motivation.....

Research has shown many times that motivation is important when learning. How can we become more motivated to study? If somebody gave you money if you received good grades, would you be more motivated to study?

A few years ago, a high school did exactly that. The school decided to give students money if they received good grades.

The school agreed to pay each high student 50$ （約五千円） every month if they received a C or better in all of their classes.

What do you think happened?

Well, it's not what you think.

The research showed that students' grades did not improve. They did not try harder.
Money did not motivate them.

So, what motivates us?

There are many reasons we may want to do something, but the best way to be motivated to do something is to want to do it.

Why do runners run? Why do book worms (本の虫)read?

Because it gives them pleasure.

Studying English is the same. If you really want to improve your English, you must find something you like. Watching movies, reading books, listening to music, are just a few examples of things that we can enjoy while improving our language skills.

So, let me ask you a question.

What motivates you?　　　　(Mike)


References:
Click here to watch a video about the research I talked about
Click here to watch another school that tried to pay students
Here is a good about the Research on motivation