First published in 1980, Motivating Students examines the nature of motivation among students in higher education, drawing on extensive research and interviews with students from English polytechnics and universities. Ruth M. Beard and Isabel J. Senior address a persistent concern among educators: understanding what drives student engagement and academic success.

The book explores critical environmental factors influencing student performance, reasons for withdrawal, and the impact of different courses and teaching methods on motivation. Through practical examples, the authors demonstrate how effective assessment can enhance student success, while inappropriate methods may lead students to focus solely on examinations rather than genuine learning.

The authors investigate how social integration, early diagnosis of difficulties, study skills support, and clear course information improve outcomes. They analyze student characteristics affecting academic success—intelligence, maturity levels, cognitive styles, and personality traits—alongside various course structures including sandwich programs and interdisciplinary approaches, providing educators with evidence-based strategies for enhancing student motivation in higher education.