How to Develop Self-Motivation in Online School Students

October 24, 2025 byJennifer Strimbu

7 min to read

In a world where we have so many choices, or even distractions, it takes strong motivation to go after the things we truly desire. So, it’s important to help students learn how to develop self-motivation at all school levels. Building self-motivation strategies for students can help set them up for a successful future no matter where their academic journey takes them next.

Why Students Lose Motivation in School

Self-motivation in students often decreases when they are feeling overwhelmed and lack a sense of purpose.

According to Carnegie Mellon University, students lose motivation when something is lacking. Some top reasons students often lose motivation include:

Not being able to see the value in the class

Not believing in their own capabilities to learn, or improve

Not believing that grades match effort

Not feeling supported or comfortable in the classroom

Not prioritizing their learning because of other things taking up their time and focus

Not prioritizing their learning because of health or other personal problems

5 Ways Students Can Motivate Themselves in School

Finding self-motivation for students is a key element in success and happiness at school. These are five self-motivation strategies for students that highlight the psychological drivers that could help them become a more self-motivated learner.

1. Track Effort, not Just Results.

While grades matter, self-motivation grows when students learn to value their own efforts as much as they do the final result. After receiving a test or assignment back, instead of focusing on the number of points they received, students should reflect on the effort they put into the assignment as a whole.

If they did well, they can look back on the time spent studying with pride and know that the effort was well worth it. But if they fell short of their own expectations, they can take time to celebrate what they did well and start to consider how they could improve for the next time.

2. Take Ownership in Learning.

Students who take an active role in decisions and feel like their voice is being heard are more likely to stay motivated in their own education. By creating a daily schedule around their learning day, extracurricular activities, and study time, students are more aware of what is expected of them and what they can reasonably handle week-to-week. They can work with their family to create space for their learning—both a physical space in the home and dedicated time when they can study uninterrupted.

A Learning Coach using a laptop helps her elementary school student become more motivated to learn.

3. Find the Excitement in Learning

Learning is meant to be fun. When students connect to what they are learning by doing activities, they can become more engaged and motivated in school. If students want to become more excited about the material they are learning in class, they may want to look outside of their textbook to explore other ways they could bring learning to life. A good place to start is reaching out to their teacher for any recommendations. Watching a movie or video, reading a book, going to a museum, joining a club in school, or trying a hands-on activity at home could show students new perspectives and help spark their natural curiosity.

5. Develop a Strong Support System

It can be hard for students to stay motivated in school when they feel alone in their struggles. To help keep motivated to stay on top of school, students can reach out to friends, peers, and family or other trusted adults to speak openly about the root cause of their lack of motivation.

If they’re struggling to stay focused on their studying at home, friends could plan regular study nights virtually or in-person so they can keep each other accountable and on task. Or, if they are having a hard time connecting to the lesson, they could share those concerns with their teacher for additional help. If their schedule is too full, or they are struggling with their mental health, their family or school counselor could help them re-prioritize their schedule or reach out to a professional to learn healthy coping strategies. The key to rebuilding a student’s self-motivation skills is to know that they aren’t in this alone.

A pair of teens engage in motivation activities for high school students to stay engaged in school.

Self-Motivation Strategies by Grade Level

If your student is struggling to find motivation in school, follow these age-appropriate strategies to increase self-motivation in students.

Self-Motivation Tips for Elementary School Students

Early elementary students are still developing their sense of self, so trying new things and being exposed to as many new ways of learning as possible can be incredibly beneficial. Older elementary school students especially can try learning self-motivation skills by modeling how others stay focused and on task. As they explore new subjects, they will naturally find new things to be interested in. They should pay close attention to not just what they find interesting but also why; is the lesson hands-on or did the reading material resonate? Knowing why they found a particular topic interesting can help students stay motivated when topics they are less excited about come along.

Self-Motivation Tips for Middle School Students

By middle school, students have begun to better understand what they need to do to increase motivation and perform well in school. When they notice their self-motivation skills wavering, students should take time to re-evaluate what other factors may be at play. Are they stressed? Bored in school? Have an overwhelming schedule? Feeling burned out? Are they distracted by anything going on outside of school or while they are trying to learn?

Occasionally, the methods that used to work aren’t as effective as they used to be. If this happens, students may benefit from introducing different motivation methods like gamification in learning, which asks students to break down each step of their assignments into a point-based system in order to mimic playing a video game. Each point they earn for completing a task can be collected to earn a small reward, which can keep them motivated as they start learning time management and prioritization skills.

Self-Motivation Tips for High School Students

High school is the time when students begin really taking charge of who they are as individuals and become more responsible for their own motivation. Students should lead the way in motivating themselves to complete their tasks but should consider more what drives them and be more aware of the limitations that are holding them back. High school students should pursue their interests and take the time they need to reflect and take action on the things they enjoy doing. This will help develop a sense of pride, confidence, and motivation in both school and other aspects of their life.

When to Seek Help for Motivation Issues

Sometimes, it isn’t possible for students to handle everything on their own. If students are consistently missing assignment deadlines, waiting until the last minute to study, or are not meeting their own expectations in the classroom, it may be time for them to reach out for additional help.

Luckily, there are many resources available for students who are struggling to develop self-motivation skills, such as:

Teachers, who can work with students to re-prioritize assignments, clarify information discussed in class, or provide suggestions for additional learning material

School Counselors, who can help students plan their schedule, work through mental roadblocks, and address any barriers to learning, like disorganization or learning differences

Family Members, who can help them create an optimal learning space in their homes and better manage their schedule outside of school

Private Tutors, who can help teach strategies to stay motivated outside of class or present learning material in a new way

Friends and Peers, who can join a study group in-person or online to help keep students accountable to the schoolwork and studying.

Staying Self-Motivated with Online School

By implementing these strategies to fuel self-motivation, students can learn how to face obstacles with confidence and independence.

Are you curious how online learning can help your student grow into a more self-motivated learner? Speak with an enrollment specialist to learn how the flexibility of an online school can help provide the support your student needs to be self-motivated and reach their goals.