What Motivates Kids to Learn in 2024

As the educational landscape evolves, one of the most important questions remains: What truly motivates kids to learn? With advances in technology, increasing academic pressures, and changing societal norms, understanding the key drivers of motivation has become more critical than ever. Below, we break down the most impactful factors that motivate children to learn, based on the latest research and insights from educators and parents.

These factors are particularly important for educators who work one-on-one with students, helping them stay motivated and engaged, whether in school or through private tutoring.

Curiosity and the Desire to Explore

At the heart of every learner is curiosity—a natural drive to explore and discover. In 2024, fostering curiosity remains one of the most effective ways to motivate students. When children are encouraged to ask questions and engage in self-directed exploration, their intrinsic motivation increases significantly. Research shows that hands-on learning activities and problem-based learning (PBL) techniques can enhance curiosity and deepen engagement (Harvard Child Development Center).

In the world of tutoring, this means structuring lessons around the student’s interests and giving them opportunities to explore topics at their own pace. Tutors can use interactive learning platforms or inquiry-based learning methods to keep students intrigued by subjects like science, math, or history.

Mastery-Oriented Goals vs. Performance-Oriented Goals

One of the key motivators for children is how they approach learning: either through mastery or performance. Mastery-oriented students focus on learning for the sake of personal growth, seeking to understand new concepts deeply. Performance-oriented students, on the other hand, are driven by external rewards like grades, recognition, or praise.

While performance goals can yield short-term success, mastery-oriented learning leads to deeper engagement and a love for learning. Tutors and educators can encourage mastery goals by focusing on continuous improvement rather than simply achieving high scores. This approach is particularly valuable when working with students in private tutoring settings, where the focus can be tailored to individual learning styles and long-term growth.

Social Interaction and Collaborative Learning

Learning is inherently social, and students are more motivated when they are part of a collaborative environment. Whether through peer feedback, group projects, or simply sharing ideas with classmates, social interaction boosts engagement. In tutoring, creating a collaborative atmosphere can be challenging but highly rewarding.

Student Autonomy and Choice in Learning

Allowing students to have a say in their learning process significantly increases motivation. In 2024, giving students autonomy—whether by letting them have some choice over their homework assignments, project topics, or methods of study—has proven to be a major motivator. This sense of ownership makes them more invested in their education.

In tutoring sessions, providing students with options, such as choosing which subject to focus on, or what project to complete, can dramatically improve engagement. Tutors can design lessons that adapt to the student's preferences, ensuring that the learning experience is both enjoyable and productive.

Challenging but Achievable Tasks

Children are most engaged when they are working on tasks that challenge them but are still within reach. Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development emphasizes that tasks just beyond a student’s current capabilities can inspire growth. Personalized education, such as private tutoring, excels at this because tutors can gauge the student’s abilities and gradually introduce more complex material.

When students feel a sense of accomplishment, their confidence and motivation increase. Tutors should create structured pathways to help students reach new milestones in learning without feeling overwhelmed. In Canada, for example, tutors for high school students are often in high demand for subject-specific tutoring in areas like mathematics and science, where students need more personalized support.

Extrinsic Rewards and Positive Reinforcement

While intrinsic motivation is ideal for long-term learning, extrinsic rewards like praise, certificates, and incentives still play an important role in motivating children. Positive reinforcement for achieving goals, completing tasks, or showing effort can motivate students to keep improving.

Connect Education Supports Motivation in Learning

At Connect Education, we recognize the importance of motivating students through personalized, engaging learning experiences. Our platform connects parents with certified tutors who use a variety of strategies to inspire students, whether they’re mastering complex concepts or catching up in subjects like math and science.

With flexible online and in-person tutoring options, Connect Education allows students to learn in ways that suit them best, fostering autonomy and encouraging curiosity. Our tutors are experts at creating learning environments where students feel supported, challenged, and engaged. Whether your child needs help with homework, exam prep, or simply staying motivated, our certified educators are here to guide them.

Sign up with Connect Education today to provide your child with the tools they need to stay motivated and succeed academically.