This study explored the concept of motivational strategies and how it applies to
the teaching of primary school mathematics. A number of motivational theories were discussed
in the study with regards to how primary school learners can be motivated to want to learn
mathematics and such theories included the goal theory, achievement theory, the competency
theory, the self-efficacy theory and the general interest theory among others. A number of
motivational strategies were also discussed and these included the following: conveying
confidence, conveying high aspirations, giving comments, and valuing learners' tasks. The
results of this study indicate that while most teachers concurred that it is important to motivate
learners to learn mathematics through the use of motivational teaching strategies, the majority
of the same teachers do not seem to be regularly using motivational strategies in the teaching of
mathematics. This study also showed that two of the major reasons why primary school
mathematics teachers do not regularly use motivational strategies in their teaching are high
workloads and large class sizes in their schools. A structured questionnaire was used for data
collection.