What can teachers do to enhance student motivation?

Setting high expectations for students while simultaneously providing the necessary support to help them achieve those expectations is a fundamental strategy for enhancing motivation. This approach creates an environment in which students feel challenged yet capable of success. When teachers articulate clear and ambitious goals, it stimulates a growth mindset among students, encouraging them to strive for improvement and exert effort.

Moreover, supporting students in their pursuit of these goals—through constructive feedback, additional resources, and a nurturing classroom atmosphere—reinforces their belief in their abilities. When students see that their teacher believes in their potential and is willing to assist them, it fosters a sense of belonging and intrinsic motivation to learn and achieve.

In contrast, other approaches, such as limiting feedback to just end-of-year assessments or focusing solely on negative feedback, can hinder motivation by depriving students of ongoing guidance and reinforcement of their progress. Similarly, reducing interactions with students during lessons can lead to disengagement and a lack of connection with the learning material. These strategies do not promote a motivating educational environment and can negatively impact students' learning experiences.