From a pedagogical point of view students are either seen as intrinsically motivated learners and subjects of their own life and learning, or as objects of teaching and extrinsically motivated into performing tasks that the formal education provides them with and expects them to pass.

Extrinsically motivated students are more obedient and they react positively to grades, stickers, diplomas and other types of rewards. At best they're compliant and easy to deal with (at worst they become High School dropouts).  Extrinsic motivation here means the control of the learning being placed outside of the student, on the shoulders as parents and teachers - and the system.

Intrinsically motivated students are interested in learning more than completing assignments or passing the tests.  They are sometimes harder to "teach" because they have their own goals and are interested in knowledge.  Intrinsic motivation means the drive to learning coming from within.

Of course the situation seldom is this black and white.  We all employ both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation during our learning.  The balance is what matters.  

From a pedagogical point of view students are either seen as intrinsically motivated learners and subjects of their own life and learning, or as objects of teaching and extrinsically motivated into performing tasks that the formal education provides them with and expects them to pass.

Extrinsically motivated students are more obedient and they react positively to grades, stickers, diplomas and other types of rewards. At best they're compliant and easy to deal with (at worst they become High School dropouts).  Extrinsic motivation here means the control of the learning being placed outside of the student, on the shoulders as parents and teachers - and the system.

Intrinsically motivated students are interested in learning more than completing assignments or passing the tests.  They are sometimes harder to "teach" because they have their own goals and are interested in knowledge.  Intrinsic motivation means the drive to learning coming from within.

Of course the situation seldom is this black and white.  We all employ both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation during our learning.  The balance is what matters.