Have you ever wondered why one student dives eagerly into a project while another needs ten reminders just to get started? That difference often comes down to motivation—the invisible force that gets us going, keeps us going or sometimes makes us want to give up.
Motivation is at the heart of all learning. Without it, even the best lessons fall flat. But with it, students can overcome challenges, stay focused, and grow in confidence. Let’s explore motivation, where it comes from, and how we can nurture it in everyday learning.
What is motivation?
In simple terms, motivation is what pushes us to act. It’s the reason we do things—whether solving a puzzle, studying for a test, or running a marathon. Motivation helps learners set goals, try hard, and stick with them when things get tough.
There are two types of motivation:
- Extrinsic motivation comes from outside—like rewards, praise, or grades.
- Intrinsic motivation comes from inside—doing something because it’s fun, interesting, or meaningful.
A child might do homework for a sticker (extrinsic) or because they love the topic (intrinsic). Both types can be helpful, but intrinsic motivation is more powerful and longer-lasting.
Why motivation matters for learning
Motivated learners:
- Pay more attention
- Remember more
- Put in more effort
- Feel more confident
- Persevere through setbacks
Without motivation, learning feels like a chore. But when students are genuinely engaged, even hard work can feel rewarding.
What affects a student’s motivation?
Motivation isn’t fixed—many things influence it. Here are some key factors according to Schunk (2012):
1. Goals
Students with clear, meaningful goals are more likely to stay motivated. A goal like “I want to write a great story” is more inspiring than “I have to write two pages.”
Tip: Help students set short-term goals they can reach—and celebrate progress.
2. Beliefs about ability
Some kids believe they’re “just not good at math” or “bad at writing.” These beliefs can zap motivation. But they’re more likely to try if they believe they can improve.
Tip: Teach kids that ability grows with effort. Praise progress, not perfection.
3. Past experiences
Success builds motivation. Failure—especially repeated failure—can do the opposite. If a child always struggles with reading, they may stop trying altogether.
Tip: Make sure students experience small wins. Match tasks to their skill level.
4. Control and choice
Students are more motivated when they feel in charge of their learning. Motivation drops if they have no say in what or how they learn.
Tip: Offer choices when possible—books to read, projects to create, or how to show what they’ve learned.
5. Emotions
Feelings like anxiety, boredom, or embarrassment can block motivation. On the other hand, curiosity, excitement, and confidence help it grow.
Tip: Create a safe, encouraging environment where mistakes are part of learning.
Theories that explain motivation
Schunk outlines several major ideas researchers have about motivation. Here’s a short and sweet version of the big ones:
1. Attribution theory
This is about how students explain success or failure. Do they say, “I failed because I’m dumb” or “I didn’t study enough”?
People who blame failure on things they can’t control (like ability) give up. But those who see it as something they can improve (like effort) stay motivated.
2. Expectancy-value theory
Motivation = how much you think you’ll succeed × how much you value the task.
So, if students think they can succeed and care about the task, they’ll be more motivated.
3. Goal theory
Some students want to master the material (learners). Others want to look smart or avoid embarrassment (performers).
Students focused on mastery tend to be more motivated in the long run.
4. Self-determination theory
This theory says we all need three things to stay motivated:
- Autonomy (control)
- Competence (feeling capable)
- Relatedness (feeling connected)
When these needs are met, motivation thrives.
How to boost motivation in real life
Here are practical ways to apply motivation research in homes and classrooms:
- Start with purpose. Explain why learning matters. Link lessons to real life or personal interests.
- Use curiosity. Pose challenges, puzzles, or mysteries that students want to solve.
- Make room for choice. Even small choices (which pen to use, which example to solve first) boost motivation.
- Celebrate effort. Shift focus from scores to progress: “You worked really hard on that!”
- Reframe mistakes. Teach students that errors are part of learning—not signs of failure.
- Create a safe, supportive space. Students are more willing to take risks when they feel emotionally secure.
Final thoughts
Motivation is not magic—it’s a combination of thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Some days, it shows up easily. On other days, we must coax it out with the proper support.
By understanding what drives students to learn, we can create environments where effort feels worthwhile, progress is visible, and curiosity is alive. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or a student, remember: the spark of motivation is already there—it just needs the right conditions to shine.
Edublox offers cognitive training and live online tutoring to students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other learning disabilities. Our students are in the United States, Canada, Australia, and elsewhere. Book a free consultation to discuss your child’s learning needs.
- What Drives Us to Learn? Understanding Motivation in Simple Terms was authored by Sue du Plessis (B.A. Hons Psychology; B.D.), an educational specialist with 30+ years of experience in the learning disabilities field.
- Reference: Schunk, D. H. (2012). Learning theories: An educational perspective (6th ed.). Pearson Education.
- Edublox is a proud member of the Institute for the Advancement of Cognitive Education (IACE), an organization dedicated to improving learning through cognitive education and mediated learning approaches.
