Applying Motivation Science to Engage Students in Courses

Term: Spring 2026

Date: April 1st, 2026

Time: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Location: Torgersen 3310

Instructor: Brett Jones & Hannah Harris

Presented By: Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL)

Description:

What can you do to improve student motivation and engagement in your courses? In this workshop, you will learn how you can use motivation science to make changes in your classes, activities, and assignments that will lead to increased student motivation and learning. This practical workshop will help instructors connect motivation research to practical teaching strategies by answering questions such as: What principles of motivation science can be used in college courses? What specific strategies can be used to motivate and engage students? How can instructors assess students’ motivation? What can I do in my courses to motivate and engage students? 

 
While teaching this semester is a not a requirement for attendance, participants that are, will be encouraged to, and supported with, implementing the MUSIC Model Survey following the in-person session.     

         
By the end of the session, participants will be able to better: 

Explain principles from motivation science that apply to college courses 

Describe teaching strategies that they can use to motivate their students 

Assess student motivation in their courses to make data-driven instructional decisions