What defines intrinsic motivation in the context of learning?

Intrinsic motivation refers to the internal drive that compels an individual to engage in activities for their own sake, based on personal satisfaction and a genuine interest in the subject or activity. This type of motivation arises from within the learner, as they find joy, fulfillment, or a sense of achievement in the learning process itself, rather than from external rewards or pressures.

For example, a student who studies a subject because they are passionate about it and enjoy the process of learning is demonstrating intrinsic motivation. This contrasts with other forms of motivation that are influenced by external factors, such as feeling the need to achieve a grade, gain external recognition, or compete with peers. These external factors can provide motivation, but they do not fit the definition of intrinsic motivation, which is purely about the internal rewards of learning and self-improvement.