The best motivation I find is self-interest. I try to encourage my students to think about my class as a stepping stone to what they want to achieve in life. I remind them that they can learn anything if they put the effort into it. Nothing is beyond their capabilities. It’s a mind game. The only competition is them against themselves. Most not all students understand this. they know that when they put their minds to a task they can be successful. Some students suffer from insecurities that hinder their ability to move forward. Therefore, I reward small accomplishments in class. For example. I praise correct answers to even the simplest questions. I praise alternative perspectives. I encourage my students to stay engaged and let them know that everyone has something to offer in the class. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but if I reach just one student I have accomplished a great thing. Motivation then breeds persistence. One students are motivated they persist and keep at it.