Motivation is an internal process that makes a person move toward a goal. While the potential for motivation lies within individuals, it can be influenced by the environment, and developed and maintained with the use of particular motivational strategies. Research suggests that motivation is primarily influenced by: interest in the task; the value the task holds for a person; and the expectations a person has about their success, or otherwise, at the task. These three influences can interrelate. Interest can be triggered by learning about the value of the task, and further reinforced when the person does well at the task and consequently experiences positive feelings.
It is common in education to distinguish between intrinsic motivation – the feelings
(pleasure, interest, enjoyment) and aspirations that a student associates with learning that motivates them, and extrinsic motivation – when a person is motivated by external aspects, such as a reward or the threat of punishment. It is important to remember that everyone tends to move between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation depending on the particular activity and task.