Key facts
UNE unit code: EDLT518
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information

What makes individuals want to strive to achieve optimal results? What makes students want to study some academic subjects over others? And why do some students disengage and choose to engage in maladaptive functioning?
This unit provides you with the opportunity to study different theories of motivation, which may assist in teaching practices and understandings of human behaviours. The unit may also serve as a foundation if you wish to research and specialise in motivation, situated within both academic and non-academic contexts.
Furthermore, this unit will also support in-service teachers and professionals to apply a wide range of practical strategies and techniques for effective functioning.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate in-depth understanding of key theoretical tenets of different theories of motivation;
- apply understandings of motivational theories to various educational and non-educational settings;
- demonstrate advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to critique and analyse existing research inquiries;
- conduct an independent research inquiry into a specialised topic within the study of motivation;
- demonstrate an in-depth understanding of problem-based and research-based learning with a view to propose new theoretical tenets and/or theories of motivation; and
- demonstrate a capacity to responsibly self – and peer – assess in team activities.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1: Individual Assignment | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Critique of literature and Personal Justification. No. Words: 2200 (equivalent) |
| Assignment 2: Group Assignment - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Scholarly group essay, group presentation and individual oral verification It is mandatory to pass this assessment in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 3300 (equivalent) |
| Assignment 3 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Online Quiz No. Words: 500 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Teaching, Learning and Psychology
ISBN: 9780190305529
Phan, H. P., & Ngu, B. H. , Docklands Melbourne: Oxford University Press 1st ed. 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
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