This article suggests a framework for analysing students’ motivation for learning
mathematics. In the present paper, motivation is defined as a potential to direct
behaviour. This potential is structured through needs and goals. The author examines
students’ motivation in terms of needs and goals, and the emphasis is on the
psychological needs for competence and autonomy. The proposed theoretical
framework as an analytical tool is useful in describing the students’ goals and
changes in goals in details. It could also contribute to increased insight into relations
between different aspects of instructional designs and the students’ motivation for
learning mathematic. The usefulness of the theoretical framework will be illustrated
with some findings from the study.