To initiate behavior change, or in other words, to act on health education, five components directly influence progress.  One of these components is behavioral intention, also known as motivation (Glanz, Rimer & Viswanath, 2008).  The other components include knowledge/skill, reduction of barriers, relevancy, and frequent experiential practice.  Consistent practice is best supported by goal setting.  With consistency, the learner can establish new, desirable habits. Habits allow the learner to rely less on motivation, because habits happen automatically (i.e. require less effort).

 

How motivation in education works universally:

1. Motivation is culturally specific, but when used effectively enhances learning for all.

2. Improves engagement which positively influences learning.

3. Increases longevity in a learning environment, especially for underserved populations. 

4. With vast amounts of information consistently arriving in the brain, the learners ability to simply pay attention requires motivation.

5. Human variables, such as needs, emotions, attitudes, expectations, beliefs and values, can interfere with learning. Motivation, has the capacity to manage such variables.

      (Wlodkowski & Ginsberg, 2017).