How to Build Intrinsic Motivation in Students

1. Autonomy
2. Competence
3. Relatedness

When these needs are met, students are more likely to be intrinsically motivated, engaged, committed and successful in academia.

What Are the Benefits of Intrinsic Motivation in Students?

Intrinsic motivation in students is associated with achievements and well-being outcomes, including engagement, academic success, knowledge retention and mental well-being. The benefits intrinsic motivation has for students include:

• Increased engagement and enjoyment: Of the many strategies to increase student engagement, cultivating intrinsic motivation can make lessons more enjoyable for you and those in your classroom. When you can get students excited to learn, they'll be more actively involved instead of passively receiving information. Intrinsic motivation can lead students to ask more questions, which can make lessons more enjoyable and fulfilling, thus fuelling their motivation further. This positive feedback loop can transform the educational experience, making teaching more fun too.
• Deeper learning and understanding: When students are intrinsically motivated to learn, they're encouraged to go beyond surface-level memorization and seek a deeper understanding of the subject matter. The deeper their grasp of concepts, historical events, methods and facts, the more likely they are to remember what they learn. Knowledge may stay with them throughout their lives instead of forgetting it straight after the next test. A student's intrinsic motivation can improve knowledge retention and spark curiosity.
• Enhanced creativity and problem-solving: Intrinsically motivated students will likely be more inclined to think outside the box, discuss new ideas, take risks and explore. They'll approach problems with curiosity and a desire to find a solution. Their motivation may also inspire more creativity and innovation because they actually care about the material.
• Greater effort, persistence and resilience: When students are intrinsically motivated, they're more likely to be persistent when the subject matter is difficult. The desire to grow helps foster resilience in the face of setbacks and struggles and can help students develop a growth mindset and the belief that they can improve if they put in the effort. 
• Enhanced self-esteem and confidence: Intrinsic motivation pushes students to keep trying, and the progress they make can bolster their self-esteem and confidence. Improving self-esteem and confidence can ripple out into their lives, positively affecting more than just their classroom experience. The belief that they can achieve their goals is invaluable and will inspire them to keep learning and working toward their dreams.
• Improved performance and outcomes: A 2023 study found that students with intrinsic motivation to know, or to learn, tended to perform better academically and were more likely to use deep learning strategies. Deep learning strategies include critical thinking, active participation, problem solving, forming real-world connections and other methods that typically lead toward higher academic achievement. 
• Higher levels of attendance: This one is simple. If students enjoy learning, they're more likely to come to class. 
• Improved mental health and overall well-being: When students are absorbed in a task they enjoy, they are more likely to experience a flow state, which can calm stress and anxiety. Learning about topics one is intrinsically motivated to know about can create a sense of purpose and meaning. A study of school children in 2024 found that the students who were intrinsically motivated typically experienced higher subjective well-being due to positive emotions and a sense of accomplishment.

Examples of the Positive Impact of Intrinsic Motivation in Students

The desire to learn can lead students to find value beyond memorizing facts. There are countless examples of how intrinsic motivation can benefit students, such as:

• A student who loves writing might find a way to process difficult emotions through a creative essay, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves.
• A student who enjoys environmental science may cultivate a sense of purpose by creating a presentation about nature conservation, feeling empowered by the chance to make a difference. 
• A student interested in music may find joy in self-expression while practicing their instrument, growing their skills quickly through a love for playing.
• A student fascinated by technology might learn to code, finding confidence and possibly a career path.

Practical Ways to Build Intrinsic Motivation in Students

Many students are intrinsically motivated to learn, while others are less so. Growing intrinsic motivation can make the teaching and learning experience more enjoyable. Many teachers want to create a classroom environment where students are generally interested and excited to learn. Focusing on some practical methods and strategies can help create a more engaging and rewarding experience for everyone in the classroom.

Foster Autonomy and Choice

Offering students choices and control over their academic experience can increase their sense of autonomy and intrinsic motivation. One way to do this is to create flexible seating options in the classroom so your students can choose how to position themselves. Another tip is to give your students the option to choose between three or more essay topics about a certain novel or subject so they can write on whichever they resonate with most. 

Encourage Progress and Mastery Over Outcomes

Mastery goals emphasize developing understanding and skills over achieving a specific grade. This method acknowledges that learning a new concept or skill might require multiple attempts. Focus on your students' progress, give them the chance to retake a test, and praise them for small wins. 

Increasing student mastery requires teachers to tune into how their students learn. Determine what methods of instruction and information delivery meet the needs of all learners. Teachers may have to provide differentiated instruction to meet different needs. Focusing on progress, constructive criticism and positive feedback will help your students feel intrinsically motivated to learn. This method doesn't focus on students getting perfect scores, but helps them feel competent.

Cultivate Relatedness and Inclusion 

When the need to feel relatedness is met, students are more likely to be intrinsically motivated. Fostering positive connections and a sense of belonging is key to creating a positive school environment for your students. Each individual should feel valued, respected and connected to their teachers and peers. 

Teachers who encourage collaboration, make an effort to build relationships and create community in the classroom will help students develop a sense of relatedness. Group work, team-building activities, class discussions, outings and other interactive exercises are good strategies for building connections.

Make Learning Relevant and Meaningful

It's important for teachers to connect their lessons to current events, real-world issues and students' interests and career aspirations. To make what students are learning feel more relevant, invite guest speakers from fields related to your subject to discuss their work with your class and answer questions. Additionally, you could set time aside to discuss current events and how they connect to the curriculum. 

Offer Opportunities for Exploration and Discovery

A good strategy for making learning relevant and encouraging discovery is to offer career exploration opportunities for older students interested in certain fields. Teachers could set up a job-shadowing project or organize a career fair. These strategies can pique students' interest and increase their intrinsic motivation. In a more everyday capacity, encourage students to ask questions, pay attention to the areas they show curiosity about, expand on them and create hands-on learning experiences.

Hands-on learning might include interesting science experiments, creating a scale model of the classroom, participating in a mock trial, creating a stop motion animation and other projects that can show them how the concepts they're learning might be applied in real-world situations. Projects that show them real-world applications can foster a sense of purpose and boost intrinsic motivation.

Provide Encouraging Feedback and Celebrate Successes

While much of the value of intrinsic motivation is that it comes from within, it thrives in a supportive environment. Encouraging feedback and celebrating wins, small and big, plays a key role in building students' confidence and bolstering their enjoyment of learning. Make sure to use specific praise instead of generic phrases. When teachers give students details about what they've done well, it can make learners feel seen and build their confidence. Students who believe in their abilities are more likely to be intrinsically motivated to learn.

Model Intrinsic Motivation

The role of a teacher's intrinsic motivation is sometimes underrated but can be important for shaping student attitudes toward learning. Demonstrating why you love learning about certain subjects can also help broaden students' perspectives. Sharing why you care about a subject and how it has impacted your life can help students see the subject matter through a new lens. 

A math teacher might share their appreciation for the part mathematics plays in art, graphic design and architecture and inspire a student who loves creativity to appreciate maths class in a new way. When teachers are genuinely interested, it can spark enthusiasm in students. Being a positive role model is important to creating a positive school culture and connecting with students. Share anecdotes, be authentic and let your love for the subject you teach shine through.

Examples of Intrinsic Motivation Activities for Students

Students can be more motivated to learn about topics they're interested in. Teachers can create more freedom within the topics students do projects on as long as they create a guideline, set expectations and communicate how students will be assessed. Here are some ways to help your students have more agency in what they learn:

Interest-Based Research Projects

Project-based learning can be an effective way for students to learn about topics that align with their interests and passions. Depending on the subject you teach, decide how open-ended the possible project topics should be. 

For example, history teachers could create an extensive list of historical events students can choose from for their project. Or a life sciences teacher could ask each student to submit three life science-related research topics that interest them. The teacher could then use their list to help finalize a topic that inspires each student.

Passion Project Presentations

Some teachers use the term “genius hour” for a dedicated period of time during the week in which students can work on a passion project of their choice. They can research and create a project that they will later present to the class. The teacher can provide guidance where needed to ensure the chosen projects are suitable for a school setting and offer assistance if some students find the open-endedness overwhelming instead of freeing. 

Independent Reading Book Reports

Not every student enjoys “The Catcher in the Rye,” or Shakespeare. While classic literature is valuable, if students find their set books uninteresting, it may stifle their love of reading. You can enhance their reading experience by adding a more open-ended reading project that can spark their intrinsic motivation.

In addition to the classics, allow students to choose a book they're interested in and complete a book report. While you may need to make a list of preapproved books to ensure students choose appropriately, a wide selection of books should be able to spark interest in most kids. Make the list they can choose from varied and inclusive of many different genres and writing styles, and you'll be impressed at the difference enjoyment can make to school work.

Student-Led Discussions or Debates

Work with your class to find a topic for discussion or debate that excites them. This could be a current event, a controversial issue, a literary theme or a scientific discovery. Set clear guidelines and expectations, and then allow them to lead the discussion themselves as much as possible.

The kids in your class may be more confident talking about a subject they're interested in, and this can be an opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills. Even though the students lead, the teacher should always be ready to offer guidance, support and constructive feedback to help them stay on track. 

Use Organizational Tools Like Student Planners

Student planners are about more than jotting down deadlines — they can help build intrinsic motivation. By providing a convenient space for goal setting and task management, they empower students to exercise autonomy and take ownership of their learning. Students can track their academic progress, boosting their sense of competence and confidence. 

Planners can also free up mental space by containing all upcoming due dates, creating a sense of control and freeing up mental energy to focus on the enjoyment of learning. A well-organized, in-control student is more likely to approach their studies with less stress and more enthusiasm.

Browse Student Planners to Support Intrinsic Motivation and Academic Success

Building intrinsic motivation in students is about more than helping them achieve academically. Inherent motivation to learn can transform the academic experience and create a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.  

Success by Design has supported students, teachers, administrators and parents by providing organizational tools since 1988. Our student planners are valuable resources that can keep students motivated and organized while building autonomy. We're proud of our unmatched customer care and provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee and bulk discounts. 

Browse our student planners or contact us if you have any questions. If you need assistance, our friendly customer service team is available to help you find the right planner for your students.