How to Maintain Motivation for Your Child in Term 4
Have you ever wondered why we do the things we do? What motivates us, and how can we channel that motivation when it’s lacking?
Mastering motivation is key, especially in the last parts of the school year. As Term 4 approaches, students often become the most demotivated and complacent they’ll be all year.
Here’s why it’s important to snap them out of that slump and how you can help.
What is Motivation?
Before diving into why Term 4 motivation matters, let’s break down what motivation actually is.
Motivation is the spark that fuels our drive to push beyond expectations, the whisper that gets us out of bed on a cold morning, and the energy that propels us toward our goals.
Psychologists typically divide motivation into two types:
- Extrinsic Motivation: Driven by external rewards like praise, prizes, or recognition.
- Intrinsic Motivation: Driven by internal desires like personal growth, pride, or accomplishment.
While both play a role, the key question is: which one is more effective?
What Motivates Students?
Recent research suggests that too many external rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation, known as the over-justification effect. For example, showering a student with gifts for good grades may backfire if they already feel proud of their improvement.
External rewards still have value, though. They can encourage participation, help build new skills, and boost confidence through feedback. However, students thrive most when they feel personally connected to their work and proud of their progress—what psychologist Abraham Maslow calls self-actualisation.
What is Intrinsic Motivation?
Intrinsic motivation is when students feel driven by internal factors—things like purpose, autonomy, and a sense of achievement. Research by Kusurkar (2011) found six key ways to help students cultivate intrinsic motivation:
- Engage in learning topics that interest them.
- Pick subjects they enjoy.
- Actively participate in class discussions, even when unsure of the answers.
- Request structured guidance from teachers and parents.
- Seek clear, constructive feedback for improvement.
- Surround themselves with a strong emotional support network.
If one of these is missing, helping your child focus on it will build their internal drive and hunger to succeed without relying solely on external rewards.
How to Improve Your Child’s Term 4 Motivation
As Term 4 approaches, students often refer to it as “The Bludge Term”—a time to coast through. But finishing strong is crucial, and here are a few ways to keep your child motivated through these last few weeks:
1. Set Clear and Attainable Goals
Work with your child to set specific, achievable goals. Break large tasks into smaller milestones, such as completing a chapter of study each week or improving a specific skill. For example, if they’re struggling with maths, focus on mastering one type of equation at a time. This way, they can track progress and feel a sense of accomplishment along the way.
2. Celebrate Achievements
Recognise their successes, no matter how small. Did they nail a difficult assignment? Celebrate with a family dinner or a special treat. For instance, after a big exam, take them out for ice cream, or after completing a long study session, let them pick a fun activity for the weekend. Positive reinforcement keeps them motivated to continue.
3. Provide Support and Guidance
Find out what inspires your child and offer the right kind of support. Maybe your child is a visual learner and could benefit from colourful charts or diagrams. If they struggle to focus, try a study schedule with frequent, short breaks. You can also help them with strategies like time management or note-taking to overcome challenges and stay on track.
4. Encourage Reflection and Self-Assessment
Help your child reflect on their progress. Ask questions like, “What do you think went well in your last assignment?” or “What could you improve on?” Encourage them to think critically about their learning, fostering autonomy. This also gives them the chance to take pride in their achievements and identify areas they need to focus on for improvement.
Leverage the Power of Tutoring
Tutors can provide personalised guidance, one-on-one support, and tailored strategies to help keep your child motivated. By working closely with tutors, students gain extra support and encouragement, fostering a sense of accountability and confidence in their academic abilities.
If you feel like your child could use an extra boost, contact A Team Tuition and discover how our tutors can help.