Motivation Is More Than Just Willpower

When students struggle to stay engaged or persist through challenges, it’s easy to assume they lack interest or willpower (thanks to the Fundamental Attribution Error bias). But motivation is far more complex. In the learning sciences, motivation is understood as a dynamic and context-sensitive process shaped by many factors—including the learning environment, students’ personal and cultural values, their prior experiences, and temporary emotional states and life context. Motivation can fluctuate from moment to moment, and it can also evolve over time. By understanding what drives student motivation, educators can design learning experiences that support both immediate engagement and long-term persistence.