Three Basic Needs for Student Motivation

Autonomy

Autonomy is when students make their own choices about learning. When these needs are met, students are more confident and engaged, along with better success and motivation (Staff, 2023). If their need are not met, then students may feel controlled or like they do not have a say (Collie et al., 2024).

 

Competence

Competence is when a student feels confident in their work. When this need is met, students meet academic goals and set more challenging goals (Lee, n.d.). If this need is not met, they may feel unable to do their work and may therefore avoid it.

Relatedness

Relatedness is when students relate to one another and feel connected. When relatedness is met, students will feel improve their academic performance and motivation (Lee, n.d.-b). If this need is not met, then students may feel like they do not belong.

How Sociocultural and Cognitive Factors Affect Motivation

Sociocultural Factors

Sociocultural factors that can influence motivation in the classroom are family influences, such as how supportive a family is of education. If a family is supportive, it can help to be more motivated and engaged in the classroom (Kumar, 2025). If the children do not have supportive parents at home, then teachers can try to be supportive of the student or assign a special person to the student to help motivate them.

Cognitive Factors

Cognitive factors that influence motivation in the classroom include problem-solving and critical thinking skills. When children can do these things, they are more motivated (Cognitive Factors - (Classroom Management) - Vocab, Definition, Explanations | Fiveable, n.d.). However, if children are unable to problem-solve or think critically, teachers can plan activities or provide opportunities for free play to help build these skills.

Two Attributes that Promote Student Motivation

  • Be positive and make all students feel valued

  • Open Communication

(7 Ways Teachers Can Motivate Students - CER, 2024)

Two Things that Can Hinder Student Motivation

  • Controlled Classrooms (Parrish, 2022)

  • Being negative 

Three Ways Teachers Can Improve Student Motivation At Home

  • Give Choices
  • Provide Feedback
  • Be Empathetic

(Alison, 2022)

References

7 ways Teachers Can Motivate Students - CER. (2024, May 20). CER. https://cer.co.uk/candidates/teacher-jobs/7-ways-teachers-can-motivate-students/#:~:text=Displaying%20student%20work%20and%20celebrating,their%20motivation%20to%20continue%20striving.

 

Cognitive factors - (Classroom Management) - Vocab, Definition, Explanations | Fiveable. (n.d.). Fiveable. https://library.fiveable.me/key-terms/classroom-management/cognitive-factors

 

Collie, R. J., Granziera, H., & Martin, A. (2024, March 25). Student disengagement and self-sabotage. Teacher Magazine. https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/student-disengagement-and-self-sabotage#:~:text=What%20is%20psychological%20need%20frustration,:%20disengagement%20and%20self%2Dsabotage.

 

Kumar, P. (2025, May 29). The Influence of Socio-cultural Factors on Learning Dynamics • Teachers Institute. Teachers Institute. https://teachers.institute/learning-learner-development/socio-cultural-influence-learning-dynamics/

 

Lee, S. (n.d.-a). Competence in positive Psychology education. https://www.numberanalytics.com/blog/competence-in-positive-psychology-education

 

Lee, S. (n.d.-b). Unlocking relatedness in education. https://www.numberanalytics.com/blog/relatedness-in-positive-psychology-education

 

Staff, A. R. (2023, March 9). How autonomy can transform your classroom and empower students. Accelerate Learning. https://blog.acceleratelearning.com/how-autonomy-can-transform-your-classroom#:~:text=Self%2Defficacy%20refers%20to%20an,well%20as%20better%20learning%20outcomes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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