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[00:00.40] Children are naturally curious, inquisitive beings, but getting them to study something they aren’t interested in can be a difficult task.

[00:10.49] Teachers and parents often find themselves resorting to rewards in the form of stars, promises of high grades and wonderful careers, or threats of punishment.

[00:21.38] But what if rewards and threats aren’t the answer?

[00:25.90] Natural curiosity is sometimes referred to as ‘intrinsic motivation’.

[00:30.15] Studies have found that children who see learning as fun and important are better at it.

[00:38.38] And it’s easy to understand why – it’s difficult to study something we aren’t engaged with, and if we’re passionate about the info we’re digesting, it feels more fulfilling.

[00:46.88] Extrinsic motivation, things like rewards and punishment, does have its uses too.

[00:52.20] Praise and stimulation based on achieving good grades or fear of reprisal has been acknowledged to motivate older students.

[00:59.90] However, it seems that at an early age, it doesn’t have as much effect.

[01:04.95] So, if it’s the case that natural curiosity is motivation for better learning, how can we stimulate that interest?

[01:12.39] According to some experts, the key is to allow some degree of autonomy and freedom.

[01:17.70] Let the child see their learning as their free will. If you want to teach a child to read, let them choose which book they use.

[01:25.93] Whether it’s a graphic novel, TV guide or classic literature – the aim of stimulating their appetite for reading is still met.

[01:33.37] Likewise, build a relationship with them as learners – listen to their negative feelings.

[01:39.75] Explain why an activity is valuable, even if it isn’t exactly fun.

[01:44.53] So it seems that the key to motivating children, especially the young ones, might come from stimulating that intrinsic motivation.

[01:53.03] Maybe it’s time to unleash them from the reigns of threats and rewards, and give them a bit more choice of how they learn.