Motivating Student Learning

Abstract

This chapter concerns motivation. It explains that motivation is critical for all learning. Without a real need or desire to learn something, whether acquiring information or developing a skill, learning does not last—if it takes place at all. Motiveless learning is shallow learning and does not take root as enduring knowledge in students' minds. The chapter debunks assumptions that, as teachers, all students will be interested in what is being taught. For teachers, after all, the appeal and value of their subject may be self-evident, but this is not the case for every student being taught, especially those new to a particular field. The chapter reveals ways in which teachers can bolster students' motivation to learn and help them succeed in classrooms and beyond.