Motivation Strategies for the

Classroom & WorkplaceKeith M. Graham

Center for Teaching Excellence

Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/aggieland/

Today’s Learning Outcomes

Students will…

1) Discuss elements of motivation theory.

2) Give examples of strategies used for motivation.

3) Connect motivation strategies to careers in academia and industry.

What makes you feel motivated

(either in class or at work)?

Reflection Question

Expectancy Value Theory

• Students will be more

motivated if they see:

– A Chance of Success

(Expectancy)

– The Importance of the

Learning (Value)

Does Expectancy Value Theory

describe what motivates you?

Reflection Question

Strategies: Expectancy (Success)

In the Classroom In the Workplace

Strategies for Expectancy

(Success)In the Classroom

• Learning Outcomes

• Background Knowledge

Probes

• Self-Confidence Surveys

• Muddiest Point

In the Workplace

• Clear Expectations

• Set Small Goals

Strategies: Value

In the Classroom In the Workplace

Strategies for Value

In the Classroom

• Outcome Connections

• Tracking Growth

In the Workplace

• Allow Team Input

• Recognize Results

Self-Determination Theory

• Students are most

motivated to learn when

they feel:

– Competent (Expectancy)

– Part of a Group

(Belongingness)

– In Control of the

Environment

(Autonomy)

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/aggieland/

Does Self-Determination Theory

describe what motivates you?

Reflection Question

Strategies: Belongingness

In the Classroom In the Workplace

Strategies for Belongingness

In the Classroom

• Greeting at the Door

• Name Cards

• Interest Surveys

• Think-Pair-Share

In the Workplace

• Team Building Events

• Keep a Positive

Attitude/Work Environment

Strategies: Autonomy

In the Classroom In the Workplace

Strategies for Autonomy

In the Classroom

• Assessment Menu

• Open-Ended Projects

In the Workplace

• Avoid Micromanaging

• Goal Setting

• Allow Team Input

Which Theory Best Fits You?

ExpectancyValue

Autonomy

Belongingness

ReferencesEccles, J., & Wigfield, A. (2002). Motivational beliefs, values, and goals. Annual Review of Psychology, 53, 109-132. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.53.100901.135153

Ryan, R., & Deci, E. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68

Svinicki, M. D. (2016). Motivation: An Updated Analysis. IDEA Paper #59. Manhattan, KS: IDEA Center. Retrieved from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED573640

Texas A&M Center for Teaching Excellence (2017). Getting Started with Active Learning. Retrieved from http://cte.tamu.edu/CTE/media/Images/2017-04-20-getting-started-w-active-learning-guide_1.pdf