Motivation

Key factors that impact upon childrens educational motivation and engagement are here considered from an international and comparative perspective. Based upon a major programme of research undertaken in sites in England, the USA and Russia, the authors identify interrelated elements operating at international, national and local levels. These include childrens self-perceptions, goals, interests and aspirations, curriculum and pedagogy, peer and parental influences, teacher perceptions, school traditions and practices, together with the pervasive influence of broader social, cultural, historical and economic factors.