How can educators motivate students? Three strategies from Edward Deci and Richard Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory help students get and stay motivated. Autonomy is feeling in control of one’s learning. Competence is feeling the right level of challenge. Relatedness is feeling connected to others including peers and authority figures. By giving students challenging but achievable goals, autonomy in learning, and a sense of belonging, educators can help motivate students to become lifelong learners.
