Using Incremental Progress to Foster Students’ Intrinsic Motivation

Motivating students is one of the most challenging parts of teaching. Like many educators, I’ve struggled to find ways to keep students engaged and to encourage lasting behavior change, and I’ve found that the secret to sustaining motivation isn’t setting big, lofty goals but instead breaking tasks down into small, manageable steps and celebrating progress along the way. This approach not only fosters a sense of achievement but also taps into the brain’s natural learning processes to help students build lasting, intrinsic motivation.

The Iterative Mindset in Action

In my classroom, I’ve embraced an iterative mindset—a way of viewing tasks as a series of smaller experiments or milestones rather than overwhelming, all-or-nothing goals. Traditional SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) can be helpful for clarity, but they often leave students feeling frustrated if they don’t reach the finish line quickly enough.

For example, I noticed that students who set big goals, like improving their grade in English, would become discouraged if they didn’t see immediate results. This demotivation is tied to a part of the brain called the habenula, which processes negative feedback. When students experience setbacks, the habenula activates, decreasing dopamine, the brain’s pleasure and motivation neurotransmitter. The result? Failure feels even worse, and motivation takes a nosedive.

So how do we combat this? In my classroom, I break tasks into small, incremental steps and celebrate every bit of progress, no matter how small. It’s all about helping students feel good about moving forward, and research shows that iteration works. A 2020 study found that individuals who track incremental progress are more likely to maintain motivation over time than those who only focus on their final goal. Celebrating small wins is vital to keeping students engaged for the long haul.

Performance vs. Progress

One of the first changes I made in my classroom was to shift from focusing on performance-based goals to progress-based goals. In my experience, if students set goals like “getting an A on the next test,” they can feel disheartened if they don’t achieve it. Instead, I encourage them to focus on small milestones, such as improving one section of their essay or mastering one reading standard at a time. This shift has been crucial for fostering a growth mindset.

Another tool I use regularly is the Glows and Grows feedback system. After a project or assignment, my students provide feedback to each other using a simple form I created. They highlight something their peer did well (a glow) and suggest an improvement (a grow). This system helps students see that feedback is not about criticism but about growth. Plus, it encourages them to reflect on their own progress constructively.

5 Tools to Boost Iteration in the Classroom

1. Small experiments: Rather than assigning one large project with a distant deadline, I break it into smaller, manageable phases. For example, when working on a research paper, I guide my students through the entire process as if we’re running small experiments. First, they research, then they draft, and finally, they revise. After each phase, we celebrate the completion of that step. I might hand out stickers, give verbal praise, or simply acknowledge the class’s hard work. These small moments of recognition help my students feel like they’re achieving something, which keeps them motivated.

2. Progress boards: I’ve set up a progress board in my classroom where students can track their learning achievements and milestones. This is a visible way for them to see how far they’ve come. At the start of the year, I break down standards into smaller learning targets. As students master each one, they add their progress to the board. It’s a simple yet powerful way to help them see their growth and stay motivated.

3. Backward design for student projects: I also teach my students how to backward design large projects into smaller milestones. For example, if we’re working on a multimedia project, I have them start by thinking about the final product, then break it down into small tasks they need to complete along the way such as researching, scripting, and editing. As they complete each task, they can celebrate their progress and feel a sense of accomplishment long before they finish the project. This helps them visualize their growth and keeps them motivated from start to finish.

4. Regular feedback loops: One of the most effective strategies I use is creating regular feedback loops. After each assignment or test, I give immediate, constructive feedback, allowing students to revise and resubmit their work. This shows them that learning isn’t about getting it right the first time—it’s about improving over time. For example, if a student struggles with a reading comprehension test, I go over the results with them, suggest areas for improvement, and then let them try again. By emphasizing the process of revision, I help students build resilience and a stronger sense of motivation.

5. Celebrating small wins: We don’t wait until the end of the semester to celebrate success—I set up systems to reward incremental milestones. For instance, when students hit specific benchmarks in their reading goals, we celebrate with small rewards or even a shout-out in class. This keeps motivation high, as students can see and feel the value of their hard work every step of the way.

Building a Classroom Culture of Progress

Through these iterative strategies, I’ve seen a profound shift in how my students approach learning. They no longer see challenges as insurmountable but as opportunities for growth. The science is clear: When students focus on progress, not perfection, they stay motivated, engaged, and ready to tackle the next challenge.

By incorporating brain science and incremental goal setting in the classroom, you can help your students thrive. This process reminds students that every small step forward is a step toward lasting success.