ENGAGING STUDENTS WITH MATHEMATICS: A REVIEW OF MOTIVATION AND ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Mathematics plays a crucial role in shaping students' problem-solving and critical thinking skills, yet many students face challenges in remaining engaged and motivated. This review explores the various motivational theories and strategies that can enhance student engagement in mathematics education. Drawing upon frameworks such as Self-Determination Theory, Expectancy-Value Theory, and Social-Cognitive Theory, the review examines how factors like teacher influence, peer interactions, curriculum design, and personal beliefs shape students’ attitudes toward mathematics. Effective engagement strategies, including active learning, technology integration, collaborative approaches, and differentiated instruction, are discussed in detail. Additionally, the review highlights the challenges educators face in implementing these strategies, such as resistance to change, diverse student needs, and external assessment pressures. By synthesizing findings from both research and real-world applications, this review offers insights into the practical implementation of motivational strategies and suggests directions for future research. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of fostering a motivating and engaging learning environment to improve student outcomes in mathematics.