Motivation in the classroom is one of the major keys to both teacher and student success. A teacher's ability to motivate his students helps determining whether or not he is a good teacher, and student motivation factors into overall academic success. When attempting to motivate students, it is vital to be encouraging and positively reward good behavior. The teacher, however, must also gently yet firmly correct negative behavior in order to maintain a sense of positive motivation.

Student Internal Factors
Students must have certain characteristics in order to do well in their academic careers. Some of these characteristics can include self confidence, a responsibility to do well in school, a desire to have a better life when they reach adulthood and a sense of control over their futures. Teachers can motivate a student to strive for personal success by explaining hard work in the classroom can eventually pay off with a rewarding career and the financial security to support a family. Also, a teacher can praise a student for academic successes and offer assistance such as tutoring in areas where a little extra effort is required.

Student External Factors
Students are also influenced by the world around them. Sometimes, his or her home life can affect academic performance. If parents have low expectations of the child, then this can greatly influence whether the student is motivated to do well academically. Schools have mentor programs set up where a student with the potential to do well is paired with either an older student or an adult who can motivate and encourage him to succeed and set higher goals academically and personally.

The Teacher's Role
A teacher can play an important role in a student's academic success. He can be a psychologist, a mentor or any other role that is lacking in a child's life. It is the teacher's responsibility to recognize the positive and negative in a student's performance and reward the successes. Additionally, the teacher can also give a student extra help if he is performing below expectations and assign a mentor if necessary.

Students Motivating Students
Oftentimes, students are motivated in the classroom by seeing one of their peers excel. If possible, use this to an advantage. Have this student assist others by tutoring in subjects he or she excels at. It can help students to know their peers are willing to help without passing judgment, thereby making the teacher's job easier.