Definition: Intrinsic Motivation refers to a highly desired form of incentive that stems from a person's internal desire for self-satisfaction or pleasure in performing the task itself.
Intrinsic Motivation can be contrasted with Extrinsic Motivation which comes from external incentives such as money, grades, or prizes.
As teachers, we should aim to instill an appreciation for learning (a form of Intrinsic Motivation) in our students, so that they are not motivated to perform a task solely for material rewards.