How cultivating motivation supports both academic success and mental wellbeing in today’s children.
For many children, school can feel like a constant stream of pressures: grades to achieve, expectations to meet, and futures to plan. These pressures can take a toll on mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and burnout.
But there is a solution.
Cultivating intrinsic motivation helps children find joy in learning, develop resilience, and thrive both academically and emotionally.
At Tutors International, we’ve seen how this approach empowers students to take control of their learning, we help them unlock both academic excellence and emotional wellbeing. As we reflect on Children's Mental Health Week, it's crucial to explore how supporting intrinsic motivation can nurture both success and happiness.
What Is Intrinsic Motivation?
Have you ever immersed yourself in a hobby you love - perhaps baking, painting, or playing an instrument - and felt deeply fulfilled by your progress? The sense of satisfaction you experience comes from intrinsic motivation, where the act itself is rewarding rather than driven by external praise or achievement.
Imagine if children could feel that same excitement about learning!
When students are intrinsically motivated, they are eager to grow and explore. This mindset not only leads to impressive academic results but also supports their emotional balance, giving them tools to cope with challenges and setbacks.
Breaking Free from a One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Unfortunately, traditional education often stifles intrinsic motivation. Many children are stuck in environments that prioritise grades and measurable outcomes, leading to stress and disconnection from the joy of learning. Over time, this pressure can harm both mental health and academic performance.
At Tutors International, we take a different approach. We tailor education to each student’s needs, encouraging them to pursue their unique passions. By giving students the autonomy to guide their learning, we help them rediscover curiosity and creativity. This personalised approach fosters resilience, boosts confidence, and cultivates long-term happiness.
The Research: Why Intrinsic Motivation Matters
Studies consistently demonstrate the link between intrinsic motivation and mental wellbeing:
- 30% enhanced wellbeing - Research showed that students who pursued intrinsic goals had significantly higher levels of wellbeing over time. 1
- 20% lower stress level - A study of elementary school students found that those driven by internal motivation experienced around 20% less stress than peers focused on external rewards like grades or praise. 2,3
- 40–50% more resilience - A recent study found that intrinsically motivated children demonstrated stronger "academic buoyancy," meaning they were better equipped to recover from setbacks and challenges.
These findings are a reminder that success and mental health are not mutually exclusive. When children are motivated from within, they develop both the skills and mindset to thrive.
Giving Children Control Over Their Education
In environments where success is defined by rigid standards, children can often feel powerless. This lack of control can take its toll on their mental health, leaving them disengaged and overwhelmed.
But when students are encouraged to set internal goals, they gain a sense of autonomy, which not only strengthens their ability to face academic challenges but also nurtures self-confidence and a love for learning.
At Tutors International, we design bespoke educational experiences to foster this intrinsic motivation. Our approach centres on each student's strengths and interests, whether through hands-on projects, mentorship opportunities, or experiential learning. We inspire curiosity, helping students develop a mindset that serves them well beyond their schooling years.
Success Beyond the Classroom
Intrinsic motivation doesn't just help students in the short term; it sets them up for lifelong success. Long-term research that tracked children shows that those driven by personal goals continue to thrive as adults, enjoying greater life satisfaction and happiness.
We’ve seen this with many of our students, who grow not just academically but emotionally, becoming resilient, self-assured individuals who love learning. Our mission is to prepare children for more than just exams. We aim to give them the tools to live fulfilling, meaningful lives built on curiosity, growth, and self-discovery.
Reimagining Success for Children’s Wellbeing
To truly support children’s success, we must redefine what it looks like. It’s not just about grades or accolades. It’s about fostering environments where students can explore their passions, build resilience, and cultivate a healthy relationship with achievement.
At Tutors International, we are proud to take a holistic approach to education. Many students who have struggled with traditional schooling thrive under our bespoke programmes. Seeing a young person flourish when they’re finally able to learn in a way that works for them is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
Sources
- Sheldon, K. M., & Elliot, A. J. (1999). Goal striving, need satisfaction, and longitudinal well-being: The self-concordance model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 76(3), 482–497. DOI:10.1037/0022-3514.76.3.482
- Vansteenkiste, M., Simons, J., Lens, W., Sheldon, K. M., & Deci, E. L. (2004). Motivating learning, performance, and persistence: The synergistic effects of intrinsic goal contents and autonomy-supportive contexts. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 87(2), 246–260. DOI:10.1037/0022-3514.87.2.246
- Jang, H., Reeve, J., & Deci, E. L. (2010). Engaging students in learning activities: It is not autonomy support or structure but autonomy support and structure. Journal of Educational Psychology, 102(3), 588–600. DOI:10.1037/a0019737
- Martin, A. J., & Marsh, H. W. (2008). Academic resilience and its psychological and educational correlates: A construct validity approach. Psychology in the Schools, 45(7), 670–686. DOI:10.1002/pits.20336
