Factors That Affect Student Motivation

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Factors That Affect Student Motivation

Student motivation can be affected by several factors. These elements include parent involvement, teacher enthusiasm, rewards, peers, the learner’s environment, personal experiences, personal interests of the student, and self-esteem and self-image.

Components such as these weigh heavily on the understanding and importance of learning to the student. These aspects aid in creating lifelong learners.

Parent involvement is one of the most influential aspects of student motivation. The parents are the initial teachers of the child before the child goes to school and encounters education through a teacher. If a parent is completely engaged in the learning process with a child, there can be growth between the child and the parent simultaneously. The parents set an example for the child, so that the child understands that help is in the classroom and at home. Alma Wright, a first and second grade teacher, believes that parents in the classroom are a good way to stimulate children. She says, “Their active participation is a positive influence. The school is open for parents to share their talents and motivate their children” (Drew, Olds, and Olds, 1974, p. 71).

The behavior of the teacher can be detrimental or beneficial to a child’s motivational process. A study conducted by Patrick, Hisley, and Kempler (2000) from Goucher College proved that teacher enthusiasm does affect student intrinsic motivation. In the analysis, the level of teacher eagerness was manipulated to observe the participant’s motivation and interest after a brief lecture. The changes in the address included tone of voice, hand gestures, and facial expressions. Participants that heard the more energetic l...

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...ocuses on incentives to get employees to reach peak performance.

Motivation 123. (2002). Motivation checklist. Retrieved December 4, 2002, from http://www.motivation123.com

Website offers suggestions for motivating people to success. Puts emphasis on the ability to be happy without money.

Hootstein, E. (1998, November/December). Motivating the unmotivated child. Teaching PreK-8, 29(3), 58-60.

The article introduced the RISE model to motivate students. It encompasses “Relevant subject matter, Interesting instruction, Satisfied learner, and Expectations of success.

Beers, K.G., (1996). No time, no interest, no way! the three voices of aliteracy: pt. 2. School Library Journal, 42(3), 110-113.

Beers discusses the three identifiable characteristics in a child that is not interested in learning: inactivity, lack of dedication, and non-motivation.

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