How Support Shapes Motivation

 Summary by Held & Mori, (2023)

Held and Mori followed German students from Grades 7–9 to study how teacher support affects motivational profiles. Using latent-transition analysis, they found that autonomy-supportive teachers helped students remain in high-motivation states or move upward over time. Support included emotional warmth, constructive feedback, and error tolerance. Conversely, low support predicted declining motivation and achievement. The results illustrate that teachers shape motivational stability during adolescence—a critical window for self-concept development. Teachers who maintain positive emotional climates nurture resilience against academic fatigue and disengagement. Continuous encouragement helps students recover from failure without fear of judgment. Regular feedback transforms classroom challenges into growth opportunities. Over time, supportive environments turn academic persistence into a habit rather than an exception.

Reference: Held, J., & Mori, M. (2023). The role of students’ perceived teacher support in student motivation: A longitudinal study of student motivation profiles Learning and Instruction, 84, 101749. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstr.2023.101749

Suggested Citation: Ross & Malar (2025). How Support Shapes Motivation. Excellent Educator, 2(21), 6.