Learning & Teaching News

Supporting Year 10 and 11 Students Through Exam Season: Balancing Motivation and Growth

As our Year 10 and 11 students approach their examinations, beginning on 15 November for Year 11 students and the 18 November for Year 10 students, it is natural to reflect on what drives students to seek success in examinations. We can question why we undertake the stress of exams and what fuels our commitment. Ideally, we would love for their motivation to stem purely from a passion for learning. However, the reality is often a blend of intrinsic motivation—an internal love for learning—and extrinsic motivation, which is driven by external rewards or goals, such as grades, praise, or future opportunities.

Understanding Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation, the joy of learning for its own sake, is a powerful force that we aim to nurture in students. However, this intrinsic drive alone may not always be enough. At times, students need extrinsic motivation to support their persistence, helping them connect the dots between their current efforts and their future aspirations. When balanced well, both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations create a holistic approach to learning, encouraging students to appreciate the process and strive toward meaningful outcomes.

Viewing Exams as Stepping Stones to the Future

For most students, exams are challenging, often stressful, and require them to operate outside their comfort zones. When students view exams not as isolated hurdles but as essential steps toward their broader goals, their approach and commitment can change. By recognising that exams can open doors to future opportunities—such as university, career prospects, and personal development—students can see the purpose in their hard work, reframing exams as milestones rather than obstacles. This way, extrinsic motivators like grades or future rewards act as purposeful tools, aligning students' immediate actions with their long-term ambitions.

Practical Steps for Parents to Encourage Extrinsic Motivation

Supporting students in connecting exams with their personal goals can be invaluable. For parents, guiding children to identify meaningful external motivators helps exams feel more relevant and achievable. Here are some practical ways parents can foster positive extrinsic motivation:

• Have Goal-Focused Conversations
  Open a dialogue with your child about their aspirations. Ask questions like, “What would you like to achieve in the next few years?” or “Are there career paths or skills you’re interested in?” By helping them connect their studies to future goals—be it university, a chosen career, or a lifestyle they aspire to—you reinforce that exams are checkpoints on their path to success rather than merely stressful events.
• Focus on Effort, Not Just Results
  Praise is a powerful extrinsic motivator. By recognising and celebrating the effort your child dedicates to their studies, rather than solely the end results, you reinforce the importance of resilience and hard work. This can build their confidence and help them develop a healthy approach to exams and other challenges in life.
• Encourage Regular Study
  Reinforcing the habit of regular study, students can build confidence and retain information more effectively, ultimately leading to a more balanced approach as they prepare for their exams. Setting achievable milestone goals for each subject can also provide a sense of accomplishment and keep motivation high as they progress through their studies.

Extrinsic Motivation as a Supportive Tool

Extrinsic motivation, when thoughtfully applied, complements students’ intrinsic interest in learning. It offers them a tangible reason to remain dedicated, particularly in areas they find challenging. When students understand that exams are not simply hurdles but valuable steps toward their dreams, they’re more likely to engage with their studies purposefully. With parental support, they can harness extrinsic motivation as a constructive force, helping them stay focused and driven on their educational journey.

How We as a School Help

Sometimes, extrinsic motivation can come from aiming for a particular course or university degree. For students considering specific career paths, discussions with their House Leader, Learning Advisor, or Careers Advisor can be invaluable. Through these conversations, students can gain insight into subject prerequisites, pathways, and the academic requirements of courses that align with their goals. Seeking tailored advice on the necessary subjects, study habits, or relevant pathways can further reinforce the connection between their current efforts and future aspirations. This guidance helps students understand that each exam is a step toward realising their goals, creating motivation rooted in both the present and the future.

David Fini                                                                         David Hansen

Middle Years Curriculum Leader                          Deputy Principal - Learning & Teaching

Cranbourne Campus