ABSTRACT
Pupils’ attitudes to school and motivation to learn are a result of a number of factors, including school ethos, class climate, past experiences, future expectations, peer group, teachers, gender, family background, culture, economic status and class. Some pupils have a more positive attitude to school and to learning; for example, it is valued at home or they see a link between education and a job. If pupils see a relationship between success at school and economic success, then they are more likely to work hard, behave in the classroom and be more successful. Many pupils want to learn but depend on teachers to get them interested in a subject. Motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic. It is often difficult for a teacher to identify the exact reason for a particular pupil’s behaviour at a particular time, and, therefore, what is motivating them. Likewise, it is often difficult for a pupil to identify exactly what is motivating them.
