Theories of motivation for adults learning with games

Whitton, Nicola (2011) Theories of motivation for adults learning with games. In: Handbook of Research on Improving Learning and Motivation through Educational Games: Multidisciplinary Approaches. IGI Global. ISBN 9781609604950

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Abstract

This chapter considers motivation from the adult learning perspective, specifically in the context of Higher Education. It is common for the findings of research carried out on children in this area to be used as a justification for game-based learning in university settings. However, adults’ motivations for playing games are unlike those of young people, and motivations to play games for leisure and learning also differ. This chapter considers these differences by first examining the literature on motivation and games, and secondly by presenting and critically discussing two recent theories of adult motivation. It aims to provide an overview of motivations for game-playing outside the post-compulsory education sector, and to present guidelines to better understand how adult motivations can improve learning.