Motivation depends on both security, or students' confidence in their ability to perform the tasks in class, and autonomy, or the abilty to make choices about how they learn. Each of these factors can be influenced before and during instruction, and throughout evaluation.Security can be enhanced by learning about students and their existing knowledge, establishing a non-threatengin environment, being well-prepared, and responding to questions positively and encouragingly. During instruction, you must ensure directions are clear and actively participate. Autonomy can be provided by allowing classes (not individuals) to decide the order of certain activities, or giving them options in assignments. Asking for feedback on how the class is going and what has worked well for the students gives them a sense of empowerment and adds to motivation.
