Cooperative Learning, Responsibility, Ambiguity, Controversy and Support in Motivating Students

• Main Authors: Ronald Brecke, Jacy Jensen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Park University 2007-01-01
• Series: InSight : A Journal of Scholarly Teaching
• Subjects: student motivation; higher education; instrinsic motivation; cooperative learning; shared responsibility
• Online Access: http://www.insightjournal.net/Volume2/Cooperative%20Learning,%20Responsibility,%20Ambiguity,%20Controversy%20and%20Support%20in%20Motivating%20Students.pdf

This paper argues that student motivation is nurtured more by intrinsic rather than extrinsic rewards. Rather than relying on grades alone to stimulate students, this paper explores how engendering a natural critical learning environment can give students a sense of ownership in their own learning and lead to their commitment to that learning. We examine uses of cooperative learning, shared responsibility, ambiguity, controversy and support in student motivation.