Motivation

Behavioral StudiesPedagogy & Learning

The internal and external forces that initiate, direct and sustain goal-directed behaviour, including learning.

Motivation is a central concern of educational psychology, shaping engagement, effort and persistence. It is studied through frameworks such as self-determination theory and the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and is closely linked to self-efficacy and mindset.

Related Terms
Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation
Two sources of drive to act: intrinsic motivation arises from internal satisfaction and interest, while extrinsic motivation comes from external rewards or pressures such as grades or recognition.
Self-Efficacy
An individual's belief in their own capacity to succeed at a specific task or in a particular situation, a concept central to the work of Albert Bandura.
Self-Determination Theory
A theory of motivation proposing that people are most motivated and well-functioning when three basic psychological needs are met: autonomy, competence and relatedness.
Growth Mindset
The belief, described by Carol Dweck, that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, strategy and persistence, as opposed to a fixed mindset that sees them as static.
Engagement Analytics
Data that tracks how actively learners interact with content and instruction.