How to learn using the brain science of motivation!

When people learn, grow, or develop, they absolutely need motivation. For someone like me who works to transform children, motivation is even more crucial.

Today, I'm going to talk about what motivation is, what happens in the brain when motivation arises, and why understanding motivation is connected to executive functions—our ability to focus, remember, and execute plans.

What is motivation?

Motivation is the desire or will to perform a certain action. It helps initiate and maintain goal-oriented behavior. This type of motivation can be broadly divided into two types:

- Intrinsic motivation : refers to cases where one participates in an activity for internal satisfaction.

- Extrinsic motivation : This is when you perform a task to get a reward or avoid punishment.

The Neuroscience of Motivation

You might think of motivation as a mindset, but did you know it's actually closely tied to your brain's reward system?

It can be said that it is primarily influenced by dopamine and serotonin. The dopamine pathway, particularly the mesolimbic pathway, plays a crucial role in motivation and reward-seeking behavior. This pathway includes the following key brain regions:

- ventral tegmental area (VTA)

- Nucleus accumbens (NAcc)

- Prefrontal cortex (PFC)

- Amygdala

- Hippocampus

Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter in the reward system, playing a crucial role in motivation and goal-directed behavior. Understanding the dopamine pathway can help us understand how rewards motivate us.

Serotonin is also involved in reducing the cost of effort and increasing the value of reward. Understanding the serotonin pathway can help us understand how we evaluate the value of effort and reward.

In this way, dopamine and serotonin interact with each other, influencing our memories, moods, and behaviors, and playing an important role in creating and maintaining “motivation” to do something in the future.

The Importance of Motivation in Learning

Motivation plays a crucial role in learning for growth and development. Maintaining motivation effectively can help you:

- Improved attention and concentration : Motivated students are more focused and actively engaged in learning materials.

- Persistence : High motivation leads to greater effort and persistence in the face of difficulties.

- Enables deeper learning : Learners with intrinsic motivation tend to seek a deeper understanding of a topic.

- Improved memory : Motivation can enhance the encoding and recall of information in long-term memory.

So, what are some good activities that can continuously maintain motivation by increasing dopamine and serotonin?

1. Goal segmentation (dopamine activation)
• Break down large learning goals into smaller steps
• Use a checklist when completing each step
• Provide self-reward for every small accomplishment

2. Use the Pomodoro Technique (dopamine and serotonin balance)
• It may vary depending on the child's concentration, but if possible, take a 5-minute break after 25 minutes of focused study.
• Take a long break after 4 repetitions

3. Optimizing the learning environment (increasing serotonin)
• Study in a bright and comfortable space
• If possible, study in a place with natural light.

4. Regular exercise (both dopamine and serotonin increase)
• Do light exercise before and after studying
• Do aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes 3-4 times a week

5. Try a new learning method (stimulate dopamine)
• Utilize a variety of learning tools and apps
• Change your learning style periodically

6. Visualize and record your achievements (dopamine boost)
• Graphically display learning progress
• Write a learning journal

7. Practice meditation and mindfulness (serotonin stabilization)
• Meditate for 5 minutes before and after studying
• Train your concentration while studying

8. Adequate rest and sleep management (dopamine and serotonin balance)
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule
• Take appropriate breaks while studying

 

Understanding motivation is crucial to children's growth and development.

The methods introduced in this article may be learning methods you're already familiar with, but how about understanding their direct impact on the brain's reward system and using them more actively?

I'll be back with a more interesting story next time :)