How to Motivate Students Beyond Grades

While course grades may play an important role in motivating students to do the work for a course, they can also undermine intrinsic motivation and curiosity. Additionally, grades are a gigantic source of stress for many students. Conversely, some students may not be motivated by grades and getting them engaged in learning can require other tactics which may also help all students discover their own intrinsic interest in a subject. This workshop will cover what research on motivation can tell us about when and how grades can be useful, as well as frameworks and tips for how to prepare the structure and practices of a class to shift students’ focus from their grades to the material.

Counts toward the CTL Teaching Certificate. Also counts as a follow-up workshop for SAS participants in TA Training.