Five Steps to Improve Student Motivation in College Courses

Authors

  • Stephen R. Getty Colorado College Author
  • Kenneth E. Barron James Madison University Author
  • Chris S. Hulleman University of Virginia Author

Keywords:

motivation, Expectancy-Value-Cost model of motivation, Expectancy-Value Theory, motivational planning

Abstract

To improve student motivation, the authors propose a five-step process that entails learning about a motivation framework, identifying students’ motivational challenges based on that framework, adopting interventions to address those challenges, and assessing the effectiveness of the interventions. In particular, they recommend adopting the Expectancy-Value-Cost framework of motivation, which suggests that motivation is optimized when students expect that they can successfully complete a task, value that task, and experience limited barriers (that is, costs) preventing them from engaging in the task. The authors also present data from two college psychology courses to offer an example of how to engage in the five-step process.

Published

2024-04-23