By Leah Gutenson
Understanding what drives students to learn is essential for effective teaching. The motivation theories below provide insight into how different factors influence student engagement and persistence:
- Maslow’s hierarchy of needs emphasizes the importance of fulfilling basic needs before higher-level learning can occur. As individuals progress through the hierarchy — moving from basic needs to psychological and self-fulfillment needs — they become more capable of engaging in meaningful learning experiences. In education, this theory highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment where students feel safe and motivated to reach their full potential.
- Theory to Practice: Start class with a quick check-in to ensure students feel comfortable and supported. Share campus resources for academic or personal support.
- Expectancy-value theory explores how students’ beliefs about success and the value they place on a task influence motivation. If students believe they can succeed and see the task as worthwhile, they are more likely to put in effort and persist through challenges. Educators can enhance motivation by fostering students’ confidence and showing them how their efforts lead to meaningful, long-term success.
- Theory to Practice: Before introducing a new concept, connect it to your students’ interests or career goals to show its relevance and help them see the value in learning it.
- Self-determination theory stresses that students are more intrinsically motivated when they feel a sense of ownership over their learning and believe in their ability to succeed. A supportive learning environment that fosters meaningful relationships can further enhance engagement. To apply this theory, educators can provide opportunities for student choice, offer constructive feedback and cultivate a classroom culture that values connection and personal growth.
- Theory to Practice: Offer students choices in how they demonstrate their learning, such as selecting between a written reflection, a presentation or a creative project to support autonomy and engagement.