Driving student motivation can be challenging. We use various tactics to inspire, but what if the key to motivation lies not within the students but in the environment we create for them?

As behavioral economist Richard H. Thaler and legal scholar Cass R. Sunstein discuss in their book Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness, our surroundings significantly influence our actions. In an educational context, this means that making intentional, small changes to the classroom can greatly enhance student motivation and participation. These modifications are straightforward to implement and can lead to significant improvements without depleting your energy or theirs.

Consider this scenario: Why do people opt for the stairs when the elevator is out of order? It’s not a newfound commitment to fitness—it’s the environment guiding their choice. Similarly, we can design classrooms that guide students towards the behaviors we desire.

1. Simplify the Process: Facilitate Engagement

A straightforward method to increase student motivation is by removing minor hurdles that impede participation. Behavioral science indicates that even minor obstacles can greatly affect behavior. For instance, in an experiment with bananas and oranges available, people chose bananas more frequently, not because of taste, but because they were easier to peel. By eliminating these “peeling problems” in education, we can see a substantial increase in student motivation.

The first step in enhancing the design is identifying the obstacles that complicate easy engagement. Even small inconveniences, such as a lack of materials, can distract students in the classroom. By reducing these barriers, we facilitate students’ ability to begin and continue their work.

In my English class, I’ve set up a Grab-and-Go Station with all the supplies students might need: pencils, pens, highlighters, sticky notes, and paper. If a student forgets an item, they don’t need to interrupt or search for it; they can just go to the station and take what they need.

This simple change has saved many lessons from disruption and has empowered students to be more self-reliant. I also encourage students to restock the station, fostering a sense of ownership and respect for communal resources.

2. Stimulate the Brain with Visual Aids

Our brains are naturally responsive to visual stimuli. A well-placed visual aid can be more effective than numerous verbal prompts. Research on visual processing shows that these cues can make desired behaviors more automatic by bypassing mental clutter.

One technique I use is a “Question Parking Lot” in my classroom—a whiteboard where students can write questions or tips during independent study. While working, students are required to write down at least one question they’re stuck on or a tip that has helped them understand the material. For example, during a lesson on theme analysis, a student might ask, “What is a ‘universal theme’?” or share, “Breaking the text into smaller sections helped me identify the theme.”

At the end of the lesson, we review the parking lot together. This not only gives me insight into students’ difficulties but also encourages deeper engagement with the material.

Moreover, visual cues can help make reflection habitual and nurture a supportive learning environment. In my classroom, I’ve designated clearly labeled areas with specific expectations to assist students in transitioning smoothly. Labels like “Quiet Zone,” “Collaboration Area,” and “Turn-In Bin” act as constant, silent reminders of expectations in each space. This system minimizes the need for repeated instructions and allows students to move seamlessly between tasks.

3. Visually Ignite Curiosity to Maintain Engagement

Curiosity is a potent motivator. Studies show that when students are curious, they are more likely to engage willingly in their work and even enjoy the process.

Before lessons, I post an intriguing question or interesting fact on the board. For example, before a unit on figurative language, I wrote, “Which phrase was banned in 19th-century France—‘raining cats and dogs’ or ‘a piece of cake’?” Students were eager to find out, and that curiosity carried into the lesson. Posting a visual cue or hook stimulates students and helps maintain engagement throughout the lesson.

4. Demonstrate Progress to Encourage Continued Effort

We often focus on the final goal, neglecting to acknowledge the small victories along the way. Creating a visual space to acknowledge progress is essential for maintaining momentum, especially