What is a key factor in maintaining student motivation toward their reading goals?

Positive reinforcement and encouragement play a crucial role in sustaining student motivation toward reading goals. When students receive positive reinforcement, such as praise, rewards, or acknowledgment for their efforts and achievements, it boosts their self-esteem and makes them feel valued in their learning process. This kind of supportive feedback creates a positive learning environment, where students are more likely to engage with reading materials and pursue their reading goals enthusiastically. Encouragement can also help them to overcome challenges and maintain a growth mindset, making them more resilient when faced with difficult texts or concepts.

In contrast, frequent assessments without feedback can lead to stress and anxiety rather than motivation, while isolation from peer reading groups could deprive students of collaborative learning experiences and support systems that often enhance motivation. Additionally, reduced opportunities for self-reflection can limit students' ability to set personal reading goals and recognize their own progress, which is key to maintaining motivation in any learning journey.