Motivation can be defined as a driving force that guides the steps of an individual in a particular direction. This is the reason for the accomplishment of the greatest inventions in the world. It is behind all our endeavors, major or minor. I would not have written this blog if I had not been motivated. Or, for that matter, you would not be reading this blog, if you were not motivated enough.

1. No.30, II Floor, Sarvasukhi Colony, West Marredpally, Secunderabad – 500 026 INDIA
Telephone: 0091–40–27803080 & Fax: 0091–40–27716308
URL: http://www.commlabindia.com Email: info@commlabindia.com
Who Motivates Learning: Trainer or Learner?
Motivation can be defined as a driving force that guides the steps of an individual in a particular direction.
This is the reason for the accomplishment of the greatest inventions in the world. It is behind all our
endeavors, major or minor. I would not have written this blog if I had not been motivated. Or, for that
matter, you would not be reading this blog, if you were not motivated enough.
However, the source and the degree of motivation differ. Depending on these two aspects, the intensity of
our effort to achieve our set objective varies. Motivation comes in many forms and directions. You push
yourself to finish a task because at the end of it you will get a reward; or perhaps you get punished in
case you fail to do so in a specific time period; or because you love doing it or the prestige that is
attached to its accomplishment. All these are different types of motivation. The former two are termed as
extrinsic motivation and the latter intrinsic motivation.
As for learners, I think both the types of motivation are necessary for keeping them on the path of
continuous learning. This is because coercion and necessity can also work as great motivational forces for
learners to learn a concept or skill, apart from their passion or interest. However, in a classroom, the
greater responsibility rests with instructors to keep their students motivated in learning activities.
Trainers can Rouse Learners’ Interest
I have read stories of great trainers who exerted remarkable influence on their students. It is thanks to
such trainers that some of the great inventors realized their potential in a subject which had until then
been a mystery. When we study about such trainers, we realize that they have an inexplicable power to
capture their learners’ imagination. They take their learners to a colorful world and keep them there until
they get immersed and never like to return.
Of course, all the trainers may not have been born with such powers but today they have various means,
offered by technological advancements in the field of education. They can blend some of these into their
mode of instruction to sustain learners’ interest.
Trainers can Allay fears and Instill Confidence
A trainer’s role cannot be dispensed with by limiting it to removing apprehensions and instilling confidence
in learners. In case of tricky subjects or concepts, trainers can divide the tasks into manageable units and
facilitate early success. This instills a sense of achievement in learners and sustains their interest.
Internal or Self-Motivation
This is the most crucial to keep learners on track. With this, a learner can create his or her direction,
regardless of motivation from the trainer. All one needs to do is to keep trapped or excited about the
learning task. Sometimes, an individual may not like a concept but must learn it to improve his or her
career prospects. In such a case, he should commit himself to his instructor or boss that he will learn it by
a certain specific time. With such strategies, coupled with positive reinforcements, a person can reach his
learning objectives and achieve career success.
It is sure that with internal motivation, a learner can push himself to action, regardless of the situation.
However, there are times that he may feel less inspired to a learning activity. It is here that his external
motivation comes into play. It obliges the learner to finish the task and he gets the desired results. Thus,
both internal and external motivations are necessary for a learner.

2. No.30, II Floor, Sarvasukhi Colony, West Marredpally, Secunderabad – 500 026 INDIA
Telephone: 0091–40–27803080 & Fax: 0091–40–27716308
URL: http://www.commlabindia.com Email: info@commlabindia.com
Do share your thoughts on the same.
To read more such articles, visit http://blog.commlabindia.com/