Before going to the topic of how does constructivism relate to motivation, I want to share something. Recently I have read two books, one by William Clausewitz and the other by Oliver Wendell Holmes, that touch on this very issue. In both books, the authors argue that motivation is largely a social construction process, arising from a society’s decisions about what is socially appropriate and what is not. The concept they describe is known as Constructivist or Participative Theory of Motivation. In my idea, there are at least four important advantages to the method.
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How Does Constructivism Relate To Motivation?
First, we can learn how does constructivism relates to motivation by learning about the various theories that support it. Most people would acknowledge that motivation is peculiar in nature. Our motives are formed by what we believe, how we feel, and what we expect to gain in return for our actions. However, one of the major problems with this view is that it does not explain why we have such varied reactions to what is a common set of objectives. The Constructivists suggest that our differences in response to these objectives are primarily the result of psychological makeup and that this, in turn, provides an explanation of human behavior.
To begin, if the theory is correct, it should be noted that human beings respond to social stimuli in various ways. This goes beyond mere instinctual responses to particular stimuli; humans can make sense of those stimuli and constructively respond to them. This is why individuals who exhibit similar characteristics generally possess the same mental abilities and perspectives. It is also important to note that although these similarities are the product of living in a community, they are rooted in a core psychological theory.
How Does Constructivism Relate To Motivation?
Therefore, understanding how does constructivism relates to motivation means looking at how individuals form their own representations and self-applications of motivation. Those who support constructivism believe that all motivations are social and that they derive from social experiences.
These relationships are established through the influence of both parents and children. Individuals who can see beyond the relationships established by parents and children will be able to judge their own motivations more accurately. This ability to abstract objectives from subjective experience helps individuals create objective representations of their actions and motivations.
The constructivists believe that people derive their motivation from three related factors. The first is the need for survival, as defined by the need to survive in a society. Individuals may use motivation as a means of improving their own lives or of satisfying personal needs.
Individuals may also use motivation as a means of avoiding change, pursuing a particular goal, or gaining a sense of power. Finally, some individuals base their actions on the acceptance of others, a concept known as reciprocity.
How Does Constructivism Relate To Motivation?
Every one of those three methods implements a distinct definition as to how does constructivism compares to motivation? One way to understand how constructivism relates to motivation is through an understanding of how the concept of personal space relates to motivation.
If we look at constructivism in this manner, the individual is represented by their own body, and their body is represented by their mind. The mind is the center of personal space, and the individual’s body can only be safely contained within it. In other words, the mind cannot occupy an area where another human being is already present.
How Does Constructivism Relate To Motivation?
How does constructivism relates to motivation can be observed by viewing the individual body and mind as representing independent entities, constructivism explains how the ability to make choices is related to motivation. The ability to choose depends upon an individual being able to correctly perceive their own self.
As the body is part of the physical environment, the mind can only exist within the environment and one’s ability to perceive their self effectively relies on the accuracy of their perception. In other words, the mind is part of the environment and is influenced by the environment in which it exists.
Conclusion
Understanding how does constructivism relates to motivation can help a person create a more fulfilling life and gain motivation to pursue an array of endeavors. An effective motivational program will attempt to address various aspects of an individual’s life including their self, their environment, and the external world. Each of these aspects plays important role in the effectiveness of one’s motivation. Constructivism explains how motivation comes about and how an individual’s choices are affected by the environment that surrounds them.