A research-based guide to pupil motivation and engagement
Pupils’ experiences of education are shaped by their day-to-day interactions with their teachers, peers and work. Schools have made significant gains by focusing on some of these interactions, combining predictable environments with a focus on the nuts and bolts of learning. However, there is a growing sense that something is missing from this equation.
Recent trends suggest concerns about pupil motivation: persistent absence and pupil disruption to lessons is increasing, while pupils’ happiness and enjoyment of school are declining.
Many of the factors causing these issues lie outside of the control of schools – but that doesn’t stop teachers and school leaders from asking the question: what can we do about this?
Improving pupil engagement will help to create a learning culture that enables children to achieve and to thrive.
This guide:
- Helps teachers and school leaders understand pupil engagement and why it is important in creating positive outcomes for pupils.
- Shares theory about how to motivate pupils and how meeting children’s underlying psychosocial needs can improve the quality of their motivation in powerful ways.
- Sets out 13 research-based insights on what works and why, to support teachers and leaders to turn the theory into practice.
Cite this paper
Farndon, S. (2024). Achieve and thrive: A research-based guide to pupil motivation and engagement. Ambition Institute.