Learning connected with motivation (B. Ciani)

The article deals with the importance of motivation, meant as incentive, within learning processes and with theories that researchers have been developed and hold during different periods. These theories can be divided into two groups:

- mechanical theories: according with these theories every living organism is considered as a passive entity, reacting to outside environmental spurs and being absolutely ignorant of knowledge processes. In this case elements outside individuals can produce motivation and learning is conceived as means to reach a goal;
- knowledge theories: in conformity with these ones, individuals are active and can create their own environment. In this case motivation is inner and learning is conceived as an aim itself.