UWA SPOT/SET Project

89)  I have been motivated to work hard

Motivation is a key to effective learning, for both ‘bright’ students and students struggling with the intellectual demands of a course.

·         ‘Teaching: Creating a Thirst for Learning’ in Brown, Armstrong & Thompson (1998), provides useful pointers to increasing students’ motivation by consideration of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation factors. Pointers on motivating students in specific learning situations such as large and small group teaching are given.

·         Motivation is often linked to sense of purpose. A practical approach to giving purpose to student note taking, both in class and in private study, is given in ‘Taking Notes’ (pp.81-100) in Habeshaw, Habeshaw & Gibbs (1989).

·         An accessible insight into motivation theory applied to higher education is provided in Chapter. 31 of McKeachie (1994).

Brown, S., Armstrong, S., & Thompson, G. (1998). Motivating students. London: Kogan Page.

Habeshaw, T., Habeshaw, S., & Gibbs, G. (1989). Fifty-three interesting ways of helping your students to study (2nd ed.). Bristol: Technical & Educational Services.

McKeachie, W. (1994). Teaching tips. Lexington, Massachusetts: : D C Heath.