The root of intrinsic is the Latin intrinsecus, a combination of two words meaning
within and alongside. It's likely that our students are intrinsically motivated—just
motivated to follow their own interests, not to do what we want them to do.
Teachers' challenge is to work alongside our students, to know their interests and
goals, and to develop trusting relationships that help students connect their learning to their goals in a way
that motivates from within.
How can teachers do this? It's helpful to consider this question in three parts: What skilled teachers think,
what they say, and what they do.