Key points:
Increasing student motivation by fostering resilience and belonging has become more urgent as academic performance and dropout rates have declined, according to a new report from the nonprofit Battelle for Kids.
The report, Students as Meaning Makers: Why Academic Solutions Aren’t Enough, underscores an increasingly critical need to ensure students find positivity and meaning in their learning.
The lack of motivation has contributed to lower academic performance and increased dropout rates. Recent data shows student engagement and connection are at an all-time low. According to a recent report by The 74 Million, only 44 percent of 12th graders report “learning a great deal” in school, compared to 86 percent of third graders.
The percentage of students who “love” going to school plummets from 74 percent in third grade to 29 percent by 12th grade, and just 36 percent of middle and high school students feel they can develop their own ideas at school.
The white paper sheds light on these critical trends and provides actionable strategies to transform schools into environments where students feel empowered, connected, and motivated to succeed.
It is evident that schools must confront three obstacles contributing to low student motivation and engagement:
- Overemphasis on extrinsic motivation: “Two decades of standardized testing have shaped a generation of students who excel at test-taking but struggle with student-led learning, critical thinking, and adaptability.”
- Negative classroom climate: “When students do not feel safe, supported, or seen, the environment becomes toxic, fostering anxiety, distrust, and disengagement. This leads to diminished motivation, as students may be reluctant to participate, take risks, or form meaningful connections with the content or their classmates.”
- Disconnection leading to disengagement: “Students increasingly report feeling disconnected from the curriculum and their school environment.”
To boost student motivation, educators must focus on several key areas: hope, resilience, and belonging.
Actionable steps in these areas can help increase student motivation and engagement.
1. Self-regulation and metacognition: “Teaching students to manage emotions and behaviors while cultivating reflective practices enhances their capacity for informed decision-making and personal growth. For instance, encouraging students to identify their thought patterns through reflection exercises and guiding them in using goal-setting frameworks equips them to tackle challenges with clarity and resolve,” according to the report. “Introducing pathway thinking skills helps students anticipate and navigate obstacles, building resilience for when difficulties arise. These practices not only foster emotional regulation and sustained motivation but also help develop the cognitive flexibility necessary to adapt and overcome challenges effectively.”
2. Self-efficacy and agency: “Everyone needs to feel that their contributions are valued and their voices are heard. This is equally important for students in the classroom, where feeling appreciated and engaged can significantly enhance their learning experience. Encouraging students to take on leadership roles, participate in project-based learning, or collaborate on real-world problems empowers them to see themselves as capable problem solvers and innovators,” the report notes. “Research estimates that two-thirds of the population is unable to identify their strengths, underscoring the importance of helping students discover and leverage their unique abilities. By understanding and utilizing their “superpowers,” students can enhance their efficacy and agency, enabling them to approach challenges with confidence and a sense of purpose.”
3. Emotional engagement and connection: “Creating emotionally supportive environments where students feel valued and connected is essential for fostering a sense of belonging. Schools can achieve this by implementing advisory periods, peer mentorship programs, and collaborative classroom activities that build trust and meaningful relationships among students and educators,” according to the report. “A key component of fostering connection is teaching students to–in essence–resource map their support networks by helping them visualize the people and places they can rely on. It is important for educators to help students build this network by expanding their knowledge of post-secondary options beyond the experiences of their parents and friends of their parents.”
“To solve today’s challenges in education, we must look beyond superficial fixes and address the deeply rooted systemic issues impacting student motivation and engagement,” said Mike Duncan, CEO of Battelle for Kids. “Through this white paper, we share a clear vision for creating personalized, impactful learning experiences that allow every student to thrive–both academically and in their future endeavors.”
This press release originally appeared online.
