Intrinsic motivation in education refers to the internal drive and personal satisfaction that students and teachers feel when engaging in learning and teaching activities. This type of motivation is driven by an interest in the subject matter, a desire for mastery, and a sense of personal achievement, rather than external rewards such as grades or praise.

​

For students, enthusiasm makes a world of difference when it comes to how well they learn in school. With the current education system prioritizing syllabus over the needs and desires of students, there tends to be a massive lack of enthusiasm for students and in turn, an inability for teachers to be able to carry out engaging classes. That was not the case for one teacher. This is her story.

Geeta has been teaching since 2014. She's been part of the Teacher Development Coordinator (TDC) programme since 2017 as an ART member. The school, located in a challenging environment, caters to students from a locality where socio-economic conditions often hinder their academic pursuits.Geeta teaches a class of over 80 students at the Government Senior Secondary School in Sangam Vihar, New Delhi. Geeta found out that there was a lack of enthusiasm for learning in students as many students had to work through their own family situations alongside their education. 

 

In such cases, normal teaching methods were ineffective and students would not show interest but rather disrupt class. She often finds that her students struggle to learn and engage due to various economic and familial challenges that dampen their enthusiasm for education.

Understanding these challenges, Geeta has adopted innovative teaching methods to help her students learn more effectively. She incorporates special activities such as "Do Now," "No Hands," and "Circle Time" into her lessons. 

 

 “Do Now” is simple, flexible, and effective. It is a one- or two-question practice exercise that requires less prep time and less class time than more structured, in-class activities; hence, it may be used in every class period or, as I recommend, selectively throughout the course. 

 

Employing the 'No Hands Up' technique is a beginning move toward a highly engaged classroom. Randomly calling on students holds everyone accountable for active participation, gives the teacher a broader picture of student thinking, and increases learning. Moreover, Geeta has included fun activities like Circle Time and a strategy called PAT (Preferred Activity Time) to get students excited about learning. She also uses techniques like asking elaborative Elaborative Questioning and Retrieval Practice, making the learning experience more accessible and enjoyable for students.

 

Geeta states, "The TDC programme has been a big help. It's given her new ideas to make learning more fun and useful. Meetings with other teachers in the programme have made her classes better and helped students learn more. She's thankful for the programme and recommends it to other teachers.”

 

Geeta's teaching methods demonstrate how using new approaches can improve learning for everyone and how adapting to the needs of learners makes all the difference. Her story is a powerful example of how change makes a significant impact in education.Geeta's teaching methods demonstrate how using new approaches can improve learning for everyone and how adapting to the needs of learners makes all the difference. Her story is a powerful example of how change makes a significant impact in education.

 

Geeta also credits the programme for helping her understand how to make learning more enjoyable for students. By tapping into what interests them personally, she's been able to keep them engaged and eager to learn. Overall, Geeta's teaching shows how using new methods can make learning better for everyone. The programme has made a big difference, helping teachers teach effectively and students learn and enjoy school more.

 

STiR Education, through its ability to connect teachers to the right bodies, allows them to do what’s best for their students. Students are unique and the circumstances that they find themselves in are also equally as unique. This places major emphasis on being innovative with teaching methods. With STiR Education, teachers like Geeta have breathed a new life into the education system and provided students with a revitalized view on education and life in general. 

 

These activities provide students with the opportunity to share what is on their minds, lighten their burdens, and find mutual solutions, allowing them to engage more effectively with their classroom education.

 

STiR Education highlights this importance and continues to provide students with hope for a better future and teachers with a revitalized sense of purpose to ensure that students achieve their dreams.