Student Motivation: Theory, Research, and Practice

This module offers an in-depth exploration of contemporary theories of student motivation from educational psychology. It examines how learners’ engagement, persistence, and academic behaviours are shaped by a complex interplay of needs, goals, beliefs, interests, and environmental factors. Through a critical examination of foundational and emerging motivational theories-including Self-Determination Theory, Achievement Goal Theory, Attribution Theory, Self-Efficacy, and Interest Development-students will explore how motivation is not a fixed trait but a dynamic and malleable response to learners' psychological experiences and instructional contexts. The module highlights the importance of understanding motivation as both a personal process (shaped by individual beliefs and perceptions) and a contextual phenomenon (shaped by classroom practices, relational dynamics, and task design). Special attention is given to the classroom as a motivational system, with emphasis on the TARGET model as a practical framework for designing learning environments that promote autonomy, mastery, and engagement. Students will consider how motivation can be supported and undermined through subtle elements of everyday teaching-such as the structure of tasks, opportunities for student choice, feedback practices, and the emotional tone of the classroom.