The purpose of this course is to equip parents and educators with the knowledge of motivational theories and their application in real-life contexts. Following the storyline of two children, Bob and Sarah, course participants are presented with a variety of problem scenarios. These depict common motivational issues that the participants can resolve using the motivational principles described in the course. Through the various sessions, parents and educators will progressively build a repertoire of strategies that enable them to better understand the Gen Z learners and to enhance their motivation to learn. Course participants will also have the opportunity to check their own understanding through quizzes and to interact with one another through discussion forums.
This course was created with the National Institute of Education at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
About National Institute of Education (NIE)
As an autonomous institute of the Nanyang Technological University, the National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore, is Singapore’s national teacher education institute and plays a key role in the preparation of teachers and in the provision of teacher professional and school leadership development programmes. Its university-based teacher education programmes leverage the strong partnerships with the Ministry of Education and Singapore schools to develop teachers who are grounded in theory and strong in practice. As an institute within a world-class research university, NIE also offers rigorous graduate education in the form of masters and doctoral programmes for local and international students.
By the end of this session, you will be able to determine the source(s) of a child’s motivation, to use appropriate external motivators judiciously, and to identify and assist in satisfying the needs of your student(s) or children. Through this module, you will get the answer to the question: "Why are some children more motivated to learn than others?"
What's included
5 videos10 readings3 assignments7 plugins
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 6 minutes
Bob the Gamer Part 1: Play First, Eat Later•2 minutes
Bob the Gamer Part 2: Mom’s Threats•1 minute
Bob the Gamer Part 3: Don’t You Like Math?•1 minute
Bob the Gamer Part 4: Who Gets Hot Chocolate?•1 minute
Bob the Gamer Part 5: Mrs John’s Experiment•2 minutes
10 readings•Total 37 minutes
Why are some children more motivated to learn than others?•2 minutes
An introduction to Bob•1 minute
Three Aspects of Motivation•3 minutes
Extrinsic versus Intrinsic Motivation•3 minutes
Implications of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation•5 minutes
Research Findings on More Autonomous Forms of Extrinsic Motivation•10 minutes
Looking into the Needs of Learners: Needs-Based Theories of Motivation
Module 2•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you’ll focus on understanding the basic needs of learners and how these needs influence motivation to learn. You’ll examine how motivation is enhanced when these basic needs are fulfilled and why this connection is important for engagement.
You’ll also explore strategies that can be used to support the satisfaction of these needs, helping to strengthen learners’ motivation. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to identify key learner needs, explain their role in motivation, and apply strategies to support more effective learning.
The boys’ motivation for playing soccer part 1•1 minute
The boys’ motivation for playing soccer part 2•3 minutes
11 readings•Total 47 minutes
Learning Outcomes•1 minute
Overview for Session 2•3 minutes
Humanistic Approach•5 minutes
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs•3 minutes
Three Basic Psychological Needs•1 minute
Recap: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation•3 minutes
Relationship between SDT and Intrinsic Motivation•8 minutes
Psychological Needs: What Drives Us?•5 minutes
How can we promote autonomy, competence and relatedness?•10 minutes
Conclusion•3 minutes
Participant Feedback on Session 2 •5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 5 minutes
Assessment for Session 2•5 minutes
4 discussion prompts•Total 24 minutes
Discussion Point 1: Your Thoughts on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs•6 minutes
Discussion Point 2: Actions that promote the 3 psychological needs.•6 minutes
Discussion Point 3: Actions that might have counteracted the promotion of the 3 psychological needs.•6 minutes
Discussion Point 4: How would you do things differently?•6 minutes
8 plugins•Total 45 minutes
Title Page•3 minutes
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs•8 minutes
Animation on SDT 3 Psychological Needs•2 minutes
Self-Determination Theory•10 minutes
How can we promote autonomy?•8 minutes
How can we promote competence?•5 minutes
How can we promote relatedness?•8 minutes
Reference List•1 minute
Mindsets and Causal Attributions for Success and Failure
Module 3•2 hours to complete
Module details
Understand how a learner's beliefs about their own abilities directly impact their educational success. You will explore the critical differences between a fixed and a growth mindset and learn actionable ways to cultivate a growth mindset in children. Additionally, you will examine how learners attribute their successes and failures, and how to guide these attributions to boost long-term resilience and motivation.
What Can We Learn from Mrs Tan, Bob and Sarah?•2 minutes
What We Have Learned So Far•2 minutes
What are Causal Attributions?•1 minute
Causal Attributions for Success and Motivation•2 minutes
Causal Attributions for Failure an Their Effects on Motivation•2 minutes
What Can We Learn From Mrs John And Sam’s Mother?•1 minute
Conclusion•1 minute
Participant Feedback on Session 3•5 minutes
2 assignments•Total 10 minutes
Assessment for Session 3•5 minutes
Identify The Types Of Mindset Shown By The Following Individuals•5 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 12 minutes
Discussion Point 1:What Type Of Mindset Do You Have?•6 minutes
Discussion Point 2: What Should We Do As Parents And Teachers?•6 minutes
14 plugins•Total 62 minutes
Title Page•1 minute
Fixed vs Growth Mindset•5 minutes
Video: Fixed vs Growth Mindset•5 minutes
Benefits of a Growth Mindset•3 minutes
Messages We Send Out•3 minutes
How We Influence the Mindsets of Children: Possible Strategies•4 minutes
How We Influence The Mindsets Of Children: Video Activity 1•3 minutes
How We Influence the Mindsets of Children: Video Activity 2•15 minutes
Dimensions of Causal Attributions•6 minutes
Dimensions of Causal Attributions: Quiz•7 minutes
Implications In The Classroom•3 minutes
Implications At Home•3 minutes
I Don’t Understand•3 minutes
Reference List•1 minute
The Self-Regulated Learner
Module 4•2 hours to complete
Module details
Empower students to take control of their own educational journey. This module breaks down the core dimensions of Self-Regulated Learning (SRL), including motivation, emotion, cognition, metacognition, and strategic action. You will walk away with effective strategies to support the development of independent learners who can actively manage their academic focus, emotional responses, and personal growth.
Young and research-intensive, Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) is ranked 13th globally. It is also placed 1st amongst the world’s best young universities. NTU has about 33,000 students in the colleges of engineering, science, business, education, humanities, arts, social sciences. Its medical school is set up jointly with Imperial College London. A melting pot of international award-winning scientists, young talents and eminent global partners, NTU is also home to several world-class research institutes that builds on its strengths in interdisciplinary research.
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.8
361 reviews
5 stars
88.98%
4 stars
8.81%
3 stars
0.82%
2 stars
0.82%
1 star
0.55%
Showing 3 of 361
K
KC
5·
Reviewed on Sep 12, 2022
I thought this course had a good balance of text and video and audio instruction that was engaging and easy to assimilate. The information was good and well paced.
K
KS
5·
Reviewed on Jun 8, 2023
I think learning this is useful at any stage of life. It's a good reminder that we should take care of our inner child to continuously have a growth mindset and stuff :)
P
PT
5·
Reviewed on Aug 21, 2022
Enjoyed this course. Well planned and executed. Learned alot of valuable and applicable information and teaching strategies.
This course is for parents and teachers seeking strategies to motivate Gen Z learners. It provides practical education on understanding student motivation and improving learning outcomes.
What will I learn about Gen Z motivation?
You will learn about key motivational theories, how mindsets influence learning, and strategies to foster self-regulated learning in Gen Z students. The course covers effective approaches for teachers and parents.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
No prior experience in education or psychology is required. This course is designed for anyone interested in enhancing the motivation and learning of Gen Z individuals.
How can this course help me as a teacher or parent?
This course provides actionable strategies to identify and address motivational challenges specific to Gen Z. You will gain skills to create more engaging learning environments and support student development effectively.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.