ABSTRACT
Support for pupils who experience a difficulty sustaining motivation and effort will require a multi-faceted approach. Teachers will have to aim for the middle ground and set tasks that require enough effort to be worthwhile, but also provide a realistic challenge in order to give the pupils a sense of accomplishment. An adult or mentor can run through these forms with the children and point out improvement in order to recognise pupil effort. Offer pupils frequent small rewards when they maintain effort and stay on task. Developing pupils' self-assessment skills and use of learning strategies, rather than judging the child against performance criteria, will encourage self-regulated learning and promote reflection. The best motivation will occur when pupils feel they are making progress. When pupils are set unrealistic challenges and fail, their motivation will be reduced and negative attitudes reinforced. Pupils with a difficulty in maintaining motivation over the long term often enjoy short bursts of enthusiasm over specific topics.
