There are many different theories developed by psychologists to explain what motivates people. Not all of these theories are relevant to classroom life, but there are several theories that are helpful to teachers in planning instruction and classroom management. Understanding what makes students behave as they do gives teachers an edge in increasing the behaviors that help students learn, and decreasing the behaviors that get in the way.

Reinforcement Theory
Reinforcement Theory (also called Behavioral Theory) explains that behavior is motivated by rewards received shortly after the behavior. Find out what the student is reinforced by, and you have the key to increasing or decreasing certain aspects of her behavior. This theory has many uses for improving classroom behavior, such as taking away recess from students who are disruptive (a punishment) or giving candy to students who give a correct answer during a science review game (positive reinforcement).

Self-Determination Theory
Self-Determination Theory deescribes all motivation as intrinsic or extrinsic. Extrinsic motivation, like rewards, is considered to be less effective than intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation leads to a better quality of learning because students are working because they find it interesting rather than because they expect a reward. There are various explanations for what makes an activity intrinsically motivating, but it is important for teachers to recognize that students will work harder and produce better output when working on something that they find interesting or rewarding.

Attribution Theory
Attribution Theory explains that students will succeed on activities they find intrinsically motivating to a greater degree if they believe that they have control over their performance. This is known as an internal locus of control. If students believe that they will not be able to affect the outcome, they are less motivated to work hard. This is important for teachers to recognize because giving students more autonomy in their work, along with material they find interesting, will increase their intrinsic motivation.

Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham Maslow described human behavior as motivated by unmet needs. His Hierarchy of Human Needs is a pyramid with physiological needs (food, water, shelter, sleep) at its base, and safety needs at the next level. After these needs are met, a person will begin to address social and esteem needs, and finally, the need for self-actualization. This is important for teachers to understand, because a student is not prepared to learn when his needs for food, shelter, sleep or safety have not yet been met. A teacher may have to help students address these more basic needs before they are available to learn effectively.