Some interesting and relevant reading

In his discussion of retrospective studies and research such as that of Bloom (1985), Schneider (2000) argues that most of these studies have shown that non-cognitive factors, including motivation, are prerequisites for outstanding levels of performance. Reflecting this view, research with talented teenagers led Csikszentmihalyi et al. (1997) to the conclusion that the best learning environment is no use unless there is motivation to learn, while Sternberg (2000) suggests that the indispensable element needed for school success is motivation. In general, therefore, motivation could be regarded as the vital ‘x factor’ in high levels of performance and achievement.