Motivation: Helping Students Succeed in the High School Mathematics Classroom

Caroline Leighton, Illinois Wesleyan University

Abstract

Although it is a key contributor to overall student success, motivation diminishes both during an individual’s development and from one generation of pupils to the next (Steinmayr & Spinath, 2007; Spinath & Steinmayr, 2008). Accordingly, teachers need to find ways to motivate their students and fight this trend. This research study investigated how a teacher can use various teaching strategies to motivate students to succeed in a high school mathematics classroom. Analysis of surveys, observations, sample student work, and video recordings showed that the use of real-world connections, interactive participation, and technology have a positive effect on student engagement and motivation. These findings suggest that high school mathematics teachers should use strategies such as real-world connections, interactive participation, and technology to increase student motivation.