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Historically, math has been known for being a “difficult” subject. It doesn’t have to be this way, though—the right motivation can help students succeed in math and enjoy it.

During the edLeader Panel “Motivation Drives Math Success for Every Student,” Ryan LeClaire, M.Ed., former teacher and current Manager of District Partnerships for Prodigy Education, spoke with Lisa Tanner, Director of Curriculum & Instruction at North Adams Public Schools (MA), Dr. Ashley Mellies, Math Coach and Testing Coordinator at Monroe County Public Schools (FL), and Mitchell Augenstein, Teacher at Marysville Schools (OH), about the importance of motivation in mathematics, how to grow motivation, and how equity contributes to motivation.

Motivation Drives Student Learning

Motivation is crucial to success because students won’t learn without it. Motivated students are more likely to keep trying even while struggling. They invest more effort and think critically. There are two types of motivation:

1. Intrinsic, which comes from curiosity, interest, and a love of learning
2. Extrinsic, which comes from clear goals and rewards such as good grades or prizes

Both are important. Extrinsic forms the initial drive for students, while intrinsic forms a deep connection to the material.

Motivation is built through support. There are many ways to solve problems, so let students explain which works for them. Build connections with students and encourage a growth mindset by celebrating their progress. Connect the curriculum to real life so students see why it matters.

Ways to Build Motivation

There are many motivation-building strategies that educators can tap into, and game-based learning is a big one. In game-based learning, online and real-world games are used to teach, letting students work together to build each other up, providing a safe environment for failure, and setting realistic goals with rewards that sustain encouragement. Also, games provide instant feedback that lets students track progress and feel comfortable making mistakes.

Competition with other students motivates learners to come together and challenge themselves, and seeing the results of their work, such as winning a game or scoring points, keeps them engaged. Games encourage teammates to support each other, so higher-performing students help lower-performing students, who feel more comfortable asking for help.

Students take control of their own learning, have positive experiences with the material, and are able to think critically. Embedding games and competitions into math reinforces concepts and builds intrinsic motivation by making students excited to learn.

Students become motivated when given opportunities to choose how to learn, because giving students multiple ways to learn appeals to different types of learners. Motivation also increases when students feel safe and supported. When teachers make it clear that they care, students want to learn.

Building a supportive culture, encouraging a growth mindset, and celebrating student progress builds positive relationships that make school feel like a safe place where students want to be. Creating visual representations of success, like growth charts or certificates, gives students tangible signs of their growth. Celebrating growth and providing constructive feedback makes students feel valued while showing them how to proceed in their learning.

Overcoming the Challenges

There are challenges to student motivation. Many students find math to be intimidating or disconnected from real life. Others may lack confidence. By helping students understand math in a concrete way and working from there, teachers build understanding. Making real-world connections helps students see why content matters. Building a growth mindset fosters curiosity and confidence.

Building an equitable motivation framework ensures all students can participate and succeed, no matter where they’re from or what they need; this means providing a positive, inclusive environment with individualized support. Culturally responsive classrooms with differentiated instruction and assessment allow all students to feel included.

Have high expectations, but provide support to help students reach those expectations. Recognizing inequities in the classroom and addressing them lets all students see themselves as mathematicians and feel comfortable participating.

Motivation is essential to math success. By creating a sense of community and fostering a classroom environment where diverse perspectives and needs are heard and met, teachers build motivation, and students become invested. Show students why the curriculum matters, support their growth, and create an equitable framework in classrooms, and watch students become the mathematicians they always could be.

Learn more about this edWeb broadcast, Motivation Drives Math Success for Every Student, sponsored by Prodigy Education.

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Join the Community

Building Understanding in Mathematics is a free professional learning community that provides a platform, advice, and support in helping educators learn methods that help students build understanding in mathematics.

Prodigy Education is a global leader in digital game-based learning. Our mission is to help every student in the world love learning, motivating millions worldwide via fun, secure, and accessible standards-aligned gameplay experiences. At Prodigy Education, we believe maximizing student motivation helps develop a lifetime love of learning. Prodigy’s approach to fun, game-based learning means kids no longer have to choose between homework and playtime.

Article by Jon Scanlon, based on this edLeader Panel