What impact does extrinsic motivation have on learning autonomy?

Extrinsic motivation refers to engaging in behaviors or activities driven by external rewards or outcomes, such as grades, praise, or tangible rewards. When students are extrinsically motivated, they may focus more on achieving these external rewards rather than developing a genuine interest or intrinsic motivation for the learning material itself.

This focus on external rewards can lead to a decrease in intrinsic motivation, as individuals may begin to prioritize the outcome over the learning process. Consequently, this can undermine their sense of autonomy in learning. Autonomy is characterized by a sense of control and ownership over one's educational journey, and when learners are primarily driven by external incentives, they may feel less in charge of their learning decisions. This can result in a reliance on external validation rather than fostering a self-directed approach to learning, which is essential for cultivating true autonomy.

In summary, when individuals are motivated by extrinsic factors, they may not develop the intrinsic desire for learning that encourages autonomous educational engagement, which is why this is a significant effect to consider regarding learning autonomy.