Motivation in the science classroom: Through a lens of equity and social justice

Abstract

Abstract It is imperative that science teacher educators address strategies for motivating and enhancing the participation of traditionally underrepresented students in the STEM pipeline. Unfortunately, although there is a vast amount of research and literature on motivation in education, there are still gaps in the literature relative to motivating students from traditionally underrepresented and marginalized groups to participate in science. In an increasingly technological and global society, it is essential to address strategies that promote equity and social justice in science teaching in an effort to increase the achievement of students from traditionally underrepresented and marginalized groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas. This chapter outlines effective strategies for motivating students in the science classroom.