ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a general introduction to motivation at school. First, definitions of basic concepts are offered along with a summary of ways in which theorizing about motivation has evolved. Six key questions central to understanding motivation to learn are presented: 1. What do I want to do? 2. What am I supposed to do? 3. Is this important and enjoyable to do? 4. Can I do it? 5. What causes success and failure? and 6. Does anybody care if I do it? The answers to these questions reflect beliefs about goals, ability, causality, and control, and a sense of social belongingness; they combine to explain why students may or may not be motivated to learn. Next, it is argued that producing motivation to learn is a more feasible alternative to attempts to make all learning intrinsically interesting. Finally, the chapter previews what is involved in stimulating and socializing students’ motivation to learn.
