A metaphorical classroom management model for intrinsic motivation: Happy cat learning motivation

Year 2025, Volume: 14 Issue: 28, 145 - 169, 29.11.2025

Mustafa Fidan

https://doi.org/10.55605/ejedus.1681238

Abstract

This article aims to examine the concept of motivation, which lies at the core of the learning process, in depth by aiming to benefit from contemporary practices as well as classical theories while addressing students' intrinsic motivation from a holistic perspective. The article introduces the metaphorical and theoretically based ‘Happy Cat Model’ developed to increase the intrinsic motivation of primary school students. This model, based on the central role of motivation in the learning process, is based on the symbolic ‘nine lives’ of cats. Inspired by the metaphor, it covers nine authentic happiness domains that support students' cognitive, affective and social development: speaking, play, reading, writing, problem solving, mathematical thinking, emotional intelligence, technology use and self-care. Within the scope of the study, classical motivation approaches such as intrinsic motivation theory, self-efficacy, interest and achievement goal theories and literature based on contemporary practices were synthesised and the importance of intrinsic motivation in learning processes was emphasised. Each component of the model is considered as pedagogical tools that enrich students' learning experiences and sustain their motivation. As a result, the ‘Happy Cat Model’ is proposed as a unique teaching approach that encourages students' active participation in learning processes, is based on multidimensional development, and facilitates emotional bonding through the power of metaphorical expression.

Keywords

ıntrinsic motivation , happiness , metaphor , primary school , happy cat model , classroom management

İçsel motivasyon için metaforik bir sınıf yönetim modeli: Mutlu kedi öğrenme motivasyonu

Abstract

Bu makale, öğrencilerin içsel motivasyonunu bütüncül bir perspektifle ele alırken, klasik kuramların yanı sıra çağdaş uygulamalardan da yararlanmayı hedefleyerek, öğrenme sürecinin özünde yatan motivasyon kavramını derinlemesine irdelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Makale, ilkokul düzeyindeki öğrencilerin içsel motivasyonlarını artırmak amacıyla geliştirilen metaforik ve kuramsal temelli “Mutlu Kedi Modeli”ni tanıtmaktadır. Motivasyonun öğrenme sürecindeki merkezi rolünden hareketle oluşturulan bu model, kedilerin sembolik “dokuz canı” metaforundan ilham alarak, öğrencilerin bilişsel, duyuşsal ve sosyal gelişimlerini destekleyen dokuz özgün mutluluk alanını kapsamaktadır: konuşma, oyun, okuma, yazma, problem çözme, matematiksel düşünme, duygusal zekâ, teknoloji kullanımı ve öz bakım. Çalışma kapsamında, içsel motivasyon kuramı, öz-yeterlik, ilgi ve başarı hedefi teorileri gibi klasik motivasyon yaklaşımları ile çağdaş uygulamalara dayalı literatür sentezlenmiş; öğrenme süreçlerinde içsel güdülenmenin önemi vurgulanmıştır. Modelin her bir bileşeni, öğrencilerin öğrenme deneyimlerini zenginleştiren ve motivasyonlarını sürdürülebilir kılan pedagojik araçlar olarak ele alınmıştır. Sonuç olarak, “Mutlu Kedi Modeli”, öğrencilerin öğrenme süreçlerine aktif katılımını teşvik eden, çok yönlü gelişimi esas alan ve metaforik anlatım gücüyle duygusal bağ kurmayı kolaylaştıran özgün bir öğretim yaklaşımı olarak önerilmektedir.

Keywords

İçsel motivasyon , Mutluluk , Metafor , İlkokul , Mutlu Kedi Modeli

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