This course is FREE with an Online Subscription

Course Description

Many primary classrooms use stickers, points, or praise to encourage student engagement — but what happens when these rewards lose their effect? This course supports teachers to move beyond external motivators by building intrinsic motivation through strategies that nurture curiosity, autonomy, and pride in learning. Through a collection of practical strategies and downloadable tools — including goal-setting charts, reflection templates, and redesign planners — participants will explore how to shift everyday routines to promote self-directed learning, student ownership, and long-term engagement.



Audience

Primary Teachers


Teaching Standards

1.2.2 Proficient Level - Know students and how they learn - Understand how students learn:  Structure teaching programs using research and collegial advice about how students learn

4.1.2 Proficient Level - Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments - Support student participation:  Establish and implement inclusive and positive interactions to engage and support all students in classroom activities



FREE with  Online Subscription

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Welcome

    • Acknowledgement of Country

    • Learning Objectives

    • Teaching Standards

  • 2

    Module 1 – Why Motivation Matters

    • Introduction

    • Clarifying the Role of Rewards: A Balanced Approach

    • What Is Motivation?

    • Motivation Grows in the Right Environment

    • Why Age Matters: Motivation Across Primary Years

    • So, Why Build Intrinsic Motivation?

    • Video Case Study - Wellbeing is Not a Competition” – Dr Helen Street (TEDxPerth)

    • Understanding Student Motivation and Engagement

    • Reflection Question
  • 3

    Module 2 – Intrinsic Motivation Builders

    • Introduction

    • Video Case Study - Motivation in Action: Real Classroom Example

    • “Why This? Why Now?” Boards

    • Rewiring Recognition – Skill Badges Without Rewards

    • Curiosity Starters – Spark Before You Teach

    • Effort Swap Walls – Normalising Process Praise

    • My Learning Story Journals

    • Autonomy Zones – Spaces for Student Direction

    • WOW Strategy - Motivation Quest – A Classroom Adventure for Building Intrinsic Engagement

    • Inclusive Differentiation: Motivating All Learners

    • Resource - Explaining Motivation to Students: A Video You Can Share

    • Case Study: Ms Lau’s Year 4 Writing Unit

    • Scenario Activity
  • 4

    Module 3 – Motivation Redesign – Plan a Trial

    • Introduction

    • Motivation Redesign Template

    • Case Study: Year 1 Clean-Up Routine

    • What If It Doesn’t Go To Plan

    • Common Problems and Quick Responses

    • Age-differentiated troubleshooting tips

    • Scripts you can copy (quick, real language)

    • Reflection Question

    • Wrap Up

    • Reference List
  • 5

    Course Feedback

    • Course Feedback

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