Motivation in a Primary Classroom

When teachers define, create and facilitate positive classroom climates, they must undoubtedly consider how their pupils will be motivated. Adam Boxer (2019) describes motivation as a ‘complicated beast’, with pupils being ‘motivated by a whole host of competing and intertwined factors.’ Your climate will inevitably prioritise the nurturing of pupils’ intrinsic motivation so they find themselves engaging in learning ‘because it is inherently interesting or enjoyable’ (Ryan and Deci 2000). Making use of certain extrinsic motivations to reach that ultimate goal may be necessary in the form of specific praise to encourage desired behaviours (Willingham 2008). As you watch this video of classroom practice, consider how the teacher: uses praise to create a safe environment incorporates elements of choice to motivate pupils communicates high expectations by referencing their year group gives sufficient time for thinking models curiosity and excitement about