The role of the future in student motivation

Abstract Students' multiple goals and motivations for engaging in school learning are discussed. Our discussion is organized around two divisions of student motivation: intrinsic-extrinsic motivation and future-present orientation. In the case of future-present orientation, an extensive review of both the history of this concept and several studies that provide insight into the relation of Future Time Perspective (FTP) to human motivation is provided. A brief review of literature on intrinsic motivation and goal theory is also provided. We consider the possibility that intrinsic motivation and FTP can be integrated in a meaningful way. We believe that providing a theoretical base for understanding this interaction will contribute toward developing a multidimensional picture of student motivation.