Students are motivated...
when their needs are being met or at least partially being met.
when they have some control over what they are doing.
when they can collaborate with other students and bounce ideas off each other.
when they have a choice how they are going to learn.
when they are intrinsically motivated rather than being motivated by extrinsic rewards (extra credit/candy).
when they are challenged but not challenged so much that they become too stressed.
