Student motivation typically has been studied as it relates to extrinsic (e.g., reinforcement) and intrinsic (e.g., choice) sources of influence. The observation of Grades 3–5 classrooms engaged in Comprehensive School Reform (CSR), however, unexpectedly indicated that opportunities for both
rewards and choice were scarce. This study sought to better understand what might influence student motivation in these settings.The central theme to emerge from the participant observation study was the key role of opportunity in students’ learning motivation and motivation to learn. More