Motivation Strategies to Fuel Engagement

Have you ever been told that “Students are responsible for their own motivation”? While students can influence their motivation by using metacognitive strategies. Their goal setting, strategy selection, and self-monitoring can be constrained by their beliefs and the affordances of the learning context. Fortunately, we can expand these boundaries for our students with a number of high impact strategies which improve their motivation and fuel their active engagement in learning.

Provide limited choices

Let students select topics, formats for assignments, or project partners. Autonomy supports intrinsic motivation because it allows students to choose a pathway for their learning based on their strengths and interests. It also increases the accessibility of your course through Universal Design for Learning principles.

Set clear, challenging, but achievable goals

Help students connect their personal learning goals to those you have developed for your course. Ensure that assignments are rigorous yet attainable and aligned to learning goals. Success in meeting meaningful challenges builds confidence and motivation.

Build positive relationships

Learn your students’ names, show genuine interest in their ideas, and create a respectful, inclusive classroom climate. Connection to an expert who cares about their achievement boosts engagement for students.

Use active learning techniques

Incorporate discussions, group work, case studies, simulations, or problem-based learning. Active involvement sustains attention and deepens understanding. When active learning involves social interaction, students can develop a sense of belonging, develop positive norms about learning, and master the content collaboratively.

Connect learning to real-world relevance

Show how course content applies to current events, careers, or problems that matter. Students are more engaged when they see purpose beyond the classroom.

Provide timely and constructive feedback

Offer feedback that helps students improve and recognize their progress. Focus on effort and strategies, not just outcomes. Timely feedback allows for more effective correction of mistakes, misconceptions, and learning strategies.

Support a growth mindset

Emphasize that abilities develop through effort, good strategies, and help from others. Model and encourage persistence in the face of challenges. Encourage students to improve their work by adopting a “not yet” grading strategy and allowing for revisions.

Vary teaching methods and materials

Use diverse formats such as videos, readings, hands-on activities, and guest speakers to address different learning preferences and keep the learning experience fresh.

Make expectations transparent

Clearly explain what success looks like in your course. Rubrics, models of excellent work, and examples can reduce anxiety and build motivation by providing a source of information for students to compare their work to.

Celebrate progress and achievements

Acknowledge student effort, milestones, and improvements, whether informally in class or through more formal recognition. Avoid high-stakes competition that will likely discourage many students from persisting.