Individual Factors: Academic Motivation

Abstract

Chapter 6 presented the BPSEM as an organising framework for fostering school belonging. What does this look like in practice? In this chapter, we begin to unpack what this looks like, building from our deep investigation into the research literature and moving toward practical strategies for application. The relationship between academic motivation and school belonging is of great interest to researchers and schools. Studies suggest that the relationship between the two constructs appears to be reciprocal; academic motivation influences a sense of belonging and belonging influences student motivation. We present various evidence-based strategies found to increase academic motivation, with the flow on effects for school belonging. These individual-based strategies include perceived academic ability, future aspirations, goal pursuit, embracing failure, motivation, making learning meaningful and self-regulation.