Extrinsic motivation (also known as external motivation) involves using rewards such as praise, stickers, or grades to encourage effort and engagement. Such extrinsic rewards can work to boost student motivation, and extrinsic motivation has its place, but it is often not enough to maintain engagement in the long term. Too often, the "external payoff" isn't enough to sustain efforts, especially when the task seems overwhelming.
Since 2020, faculty, staff and administrators have noticed a trend among incoming college students: They don't know how to make friends. Data affirms this-fewer students said they studied with classmates, volunteered or participated in clubs or organizations in 2023 than in 2019, according to a 2025 report from the Student Experience in the Research University Consortium. At the same time, student engagement and belonging correlate with academic success.
"You keep everyone on campus, have them fed, give them water, give them drinks, and people stay to watch another movie and talk between screenings," festival associate director Emma Hannaway told me. "We want people to go out and explore Baltimore-have a morning or something-but most of your time should be spent here, and that's what we like." The entire fest is contained to one city block in the Station North neighborhood,
Belonging is a key predictor in student success; students who are engaged in campus activities and feel they belong to a community within their college are more likely to retain and graduate. Recently published data from the educational consulting group EAB shows that first-year students at two-year colleges want help connecting with peers on campus; nearly half reported dissatisfaction with their social lives since starting college. The report outlines ways to create engagement and other priorities for community college students.
You're in the pick-up line waiting for your little darling, and finally your kid slumps into the car. You ask the obligatory question, "So, how was school today?" It's only week two, but by now you know the dreaded response. After another soul-searching day at school, they mutter, "When am I ever going to use this junk?" Sound familiar? Before you launch into your well-rehearsed lecture about education's importance, consider this: Your child might be right.
I think my research has made me a better educator - and my role as an educator has made me a better researcher. Running discussion sessions for the Society and Natural Resources and Environmental Governance course has been among the most memorable and meaningful aspects of my Ph.D.
Colleges can offer undocumented students non-employment-based educational opportunities (NEBOs) to develop personal, academic and professional skills that also provide students with financial aid.
First-year composition classes provide essential skills for students to learn to articulate disagreement respectfully, fostering a new way to participate in public discourse.
Interactive quizzes enhance K-12 students' learning by promoting active engagement, offering immediate feedback, boosting motivation through gamification, and allowing mastery through multiple attempts.
The Green Ribbon program provides a template for schools to focus on reducing environmental costs, improving health and wellness, and increasing environmental literacy among students.