Abstract. Student motivation as an academic enabler for school success is discussed. Contrary to many views, however, the
authors conceive of student motivation as a multifaceted construct with different components. Accordingly, the article includes a
discussion of four key components of student motivation including academic self-efficacy, attributions, intrinsic motivation, and
achievement goals. Research on each of these four components is described, research relating these four components to
academic achievement and other academic enablers is reviewed, and suggestions are offered for instruction and assessment.