Motivation increases when students have control over processes of their own learning. In a positive learning environment, students are already motivated to learn. There are temporary unmotivated states that schools, teachers, or students themselves can trigger. These unmotivated states can affect the attitudes of both teachers and students. The nature of these attitudes are reflected in the messages that students and teachers send and receive.
Attitudes play a profound role in determining the character, personality, and behavior of people.
Current research on motivation and attitudes addresses the use of rewards and punishments. Using rewards and punishments can prevent students from developing their natural tendency toward intrinsic motivation. Students that are internally motivated approach learning tasks seriously, do them carefully, and expect to benefit by having done them. Teachers are encouraged to gradually decrease the use of external rewards and focus on creating an optimum environment that fosters intrinsic motivation. Give feedback that relates specifically to the job or assignment instead of external rewards Give plenty of encouragement and hope Instill positive beliefs through affirmations, success stories, posters, etc.