Abstract
This study looked at the motivational strategies used by three middle school mathematics teachers and the effect on their students. Teachers were observed for their use of motivational strategies and the strategies were classified as intrinsically or extrinsically motivating. Purposefully selected students were observed for their behavior following the use of a motivational strategy. Their behavior was coded as either on or off-task. It was found that these middle school mathematics teachers tend to use more strategies that extrinsically motivate their students. The results were correlated and it was found that students exhibit a higher level of on-task behavior when teachers use intrinsic strategies. Similarly, when teachers utilize extrinsic strategies, students exhibit a lower level of on-task behavior.
Butler, Lori (2002). Effects of motivational strategies on middle school mathematics students' on-task behavior. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2002 -THESIS -B93.