Maria Rosana, PhD
How to motivate students?
One of the biggest challenges in the Personal Project is keeping students motivated. It's common for students to lose interest in their projects over time, which can make it difficult for them to complete the tasks they originally planned. However, this loss of motivation can be prevented by creating strategies that keep students engaged and inspired throughout the process.
Below, you'll find practical tips to help maintain student motivation during the Personal Project journey.
Motivation strategies
Encourage students to choose a Personal Project topic that genuinely reflects their personal interests. Often, students are tempted to select topics they believe will be easier to write about or that might earn them a higher grade. While this might seem like a good strategy at first, their initial motivation tends to fade over time, especially if the topic doesn't truly engage them. As a result, they may want to change their topic midway through the project. Although changing the topic is not necessarily a problem, it can disrupt the planning and development process. Remind students that the main goal is to explore something they are truly passionate about. This is what sustains motivation and leads to a more meaningful project.
Another effective strategy is to encourage regular conversations about their project. When supervisors show genuine interest and ask questions, students often feel more motivated and supported. Regular discussions help students clarify their ideas, stay on track, and build confidence in their work.