Intrinsic V. Extrinsic

At a recent teacher meeting, we were discussing intrinsic versus extrinsic rewards.  Ideally, at a Montessori school, our students are intrinsically motivated.  They enjoy working in the classroom because of the value they find in themselves.  We don't hand out gold stars, put stickers on papers, or have smiley face stamps.  I'm retraining myself to not say "Great job!", but instead say "Look at all the work you did! How do you feel?"

I am not a child of Montessori education, and I have to admit that outside praise feels pretty darn good sometimes. I would have to think that most people who have blogs are, at least in part, looking for some affirmation from others. But sometimes, I just knit things for my own satisfaction.

 

Here are some simple stockinette socks.  They have a garter cuff, and then they are plain vanilla all the way through the heel flap and the standard toe. Totally boring.

I love them.

When I wore them to work, I didn't show off my socks.  I didn't even make my husband look at them after I kitchenered the second toe. But they are soft, they are a delicious brown, and my feet feel good wearing them.

I knit these socks because I enjoyed knitting them. I wear them because I enjoy wearing them.  And if nobody ever notices them and throws me a compliment?  That's OK.

I know that my motivations for knitting are mixed.  Of course I want my knitting to be noticed and admired.  But if it wasn't, I can't imagine that I'd give up knitting. Instead, I think I might say to myself: Look at these socks I made.  I feel great.

Comments

[Dave]

I think they're beautiful, and you should feel great. I usually prefer just stockinette socks, or sometimes a rib. The colour is wonderful.

[stacey]

I think knitting in and of itself is rewarding, but it feels good to have it noticed sometimes too! So I say "Good Job! How does that make you feel?":)

[Antoinette]

First, great socks! :) Secondly, this offer much to think about, intrinsic vs. extrinsic and my sewing. I sew primarily because I want custom clothes that fit well and to allow myself creative expression, but I tend to dress from the inside out, too. In other words, I dress to please myself and if someone comments on it, I am pleasantly surprised. Lots to think about! Plus, I didn't realize this was a Montessori principle.

[Kim]

Great job on the cozy socks! Ooops, I mean, Look at all the knitting you did! How does that make you feel?

[Walden]

I think they look wonderful! I am more of a plain knit sock type of person myself. I knit fancier ones for other people.

[Libby]

Those beautiful socks coordinate so well with your shoes!

[whitney]

The socks look wonderful.

I really enjoyed this post, too! When I was in high school, I used to teach violin lessons at the Montessori school in my hometown. I tried to learn as much as I could about the teaching philosophy so that their lessons could just be a continuation of what they did during the school day. Intrinsic praise actually comes really naturally to me!

[Mildawg]

What a great post. I really enjoyed the sentiment behind it. Wear your socks proudly!

[Brenda]

That is a beautiful brown! I find knitting a simple, comfortable pair of socks that fit me well very rewarding. I do "worry" that blog readers might think I'm taking the easy way out, but then I tell myself that's a silly thing to worry about.