Abstract

The study conducted at a representative sample of 6—11 graders from regularsecondary schools (N=665) has shown, that high academic achievers are characterizedby particular motivational profile, i.e. high level of intrinsic motivation and lowerlevel of extrinsic motivation based on the striving to get recognition and respect fromparents, teachers and classmates than their less successful peers. Besides that, observeddifferences in extrinsic motivation of boys and girls allowed to explain gender differencesin academic achievement favoring girls. This data should be used selecting children tospecial classes and schools for gifted and developing programs for teachers and parentsthat support intrinsic motivation in children.