Back to school and school motivation: how to keep your teen motivated

Here are some tips to turn this moment into a positive experience for the whole family.

1. Understanding school motivation

In order to support your young person in their academic success, you must first understand the basics of motivation. Motivation can indeed be divided into two categories: intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation refers to motivation that comes from within the individual, without depending on external rewards or outside pressures. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is related to completing a task to obtain a reward or avoid a punishment.

Thus, by helping your adolescent recognize the value and usefulness of their learning and school activities (intrinsic motivation), and by showing them how their studies can contribute to their future aspirations, you can promote a more lasting and personal motivation.

2. Set clear and specific goals

Encourage your adolescent to set precise and achievable goals. Well-defined goals provide a clear structure, make time management easier and promote motivation. Rather than simply saying "I want you to get good grades in all subjects," take the time to discuss with them to define goals SMART : specific, concrete, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. For example, "getting a grade of 70% or higher in a specific subject on the first report card" is a SMART. These specific goals make it possible to measure progress and reinforce the feeling of competence and satisfaction at each achieved step.

Another good way to support motivation over time is also to set smaller goals that are closer together in time. For example, instead of setting a goal directly tied to the report card, succeeding on a test or doing all homework each week can encourage the adolescent in their perseverance and daily academic success.

3. Break intimidating tasks into parts

Does your child feel like they are facing a mountain of tasks to complete? Help them break these large tasks into smaller ones, which will make them less intimidating and more manageable, thus reducing the feeling of demotivation. For example, if they have to complete a large project, they can divide it into several small tasks to accomplish each day. As the pictured proverb says: "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."

4. Promote good lifestyle habits

Make sure your adolescent adopts an adequate sleep routine, a balanced diet and regularly exercises. These are essential elements in the learning context. A healthy lifestyle is crucial to optimize concentration and motivation. In fact, numerous recent scientific studies show that excessive screen time and a lack of physical activity have a direct impact on academic performance. By encouraging healthy lifestyle habits, you help your adolescent maximize their academic potential and maintain overall balance. (https://actualites.uqam.ca/2020/temps-ecran-activites-physiques-facteurs-determinants-rendement-scolaire/)

5. Encourage autonomy and perseverance

Give your young person more control over their decisions and responsibilities. Adolescents tend to be more motivated when they feel they have power over their lives and choices. Discuss their goals and let them decide the best way to achieve them, while offering your support and advice. This autonomy will help them develop a sense of responsibility and strengthen their confidence, while showing them that you trust their ability to make informed choices.

Has your adolescent experienced a failure and become demotivated? Support them and encourage them to persevere. Value perseverance and success: your support and encouragement will have positive effects on their motivation to learn.

6. Help your child become autonomous in their learning

Provide your child with tools to stay organized, such as calendars or task management apps. Getting into a learning-favorable context is not innate. It is therefore essential to accompany your adolescent in this learning, by showing them how to "learn to learn." Tools like planning and to-do lists can greatly help structure their daily work, allowing them to better manage their time and priorities. By offering these resources, you help them develop essential skills for their academic success and their future, thus contributing to their educational success.

The start of a new adventure

For your adolescent, starting a new school year can be both exciting and intimidating. By helping them understand school motivation, set clear and achievable goals, and make learning fun, you can greatly boost their confidence and perseverance. Your involvement and encouragement will make all the difference, allowing your child to approach this period with enthusiasm and success.

However, if despite all your efforts, you find that your adolescent is having difficulty staying motivated or managing school stress, it may be beneficial to consult a professional. Do not let the situation deteriorate: make an appointment today.

Sources and additional resources

Alloprof. (n.d.). School motivation: A major issue for success. Retrieved from https://www.alloprof.qc.ca/fr/eleves/bv/exams-et-trucs/la-motivation-scolaire-un-enjeu-majeur-de-la-reu-t1122

Jeunesse, J'écoute. (2023). Going to school: 50 resources for students. Retrieved from https://jeunessejecoute.ca/information/aller-a-lecole-50-ressources-pour-les-eleves/

Réseau réussite Montréal. (2024). Retrieved from http://www.reseaureussitemontreal.ca/

RIRE CTREQ. (2022). School motivation. Retrieved from https://rire.ctreq.qc.ca/la-motivation-scolaire/

TAA l’école. (2023). Motivation. Retrieved from https://www.taalecole.ca/motivation/

UQAM. (2020). Screen time and physical activities: Determining factors of academic performance. Retrieved from https://actualites.uqam.ca/2020/temps-ecran-activites-physiques-facteurs-determinants-rendement-scolaire/