Motivation is the ‘engine’ that drives student engagement and learning. The setting in which students work can encourage them to give their best effort or discourage them from even trying. Here are some ideas to motivate students by influencing factors in their learning environment: 1985).

• Student choice of desks/partners or even lessons .
  
• Create a memory friendly classroom by posting assignments/due dates.
  
• Break large tasks into sub-tasks.
  
• Hold 5 minute “micro-meetings” with class to check in about topics/issues.
  
• Use real world meaningful examples.
  
• Have students set their own learning goals and rate their own progress.

• Structure work so more difficult activities are in the middle, with easier tasks at the start and end.

• Use a “think aloud” approach when teaching or showing a skill.
  
• Use effective teacher commands that are brief, use one directive at a time and avoid long explanations.
  
• Celebrate achievements of students.
  
• Celebrate mistakes as an opportunity for learning.