Program
Teaching M.A.
Number of Pages
54
Year Approved
2025
First Advisor
Cavalier, Meghan
Abstract
This literature review focuses on proven techniques to motivate at-risk, reluctant learners to actively engage in their education. Specific interventions for motivating students are discussed, as well as the reasoning behind those interventions on psychological, community, and choice-driven levels. Studies demonstrated that the use of positive, trustworthy teacher-student relationships (TSRs) help create a sense of safety and security for students who have previously experienced trauma. Student choice is another intervention that creates motivation for reluctant learners, as they are able to invest in their education and can help determine their overarching academic goals. Lastly, encouraging students to build metacognitive strategies and self-actualized identities that bridge previous gaps in learning and defy stereotype threat has proven to increase achievement.
Degree Name
Teaching M.A.
Document Type
Masterʼs thesis
Recommended Citation
Diaz, R. (2025). Inspiring Success: Methods and Interventions for Empowering and Motivating At-Risk Students [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/1179
Terms of Use and License Information
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.