In this episode of Learning Conversations, Dr Andrew Martin—registered psychologist and Professor of Educational Psychology—explores the well-documented “motivation dip” that often emerges in Years 8 and 9. He unpacks the developmental, social, and academic factors contributing to this decline in engagement and explains why maintaining strong academic structure, while intentionally supporting students’ social, emotional, and extracurricular needs, is critical during this stage.

Dr Martin introduces his Motivation and Engagement Wheel, a practical framework grounded in key educational psychology theories that helps teachers translate research into classroom-ready strategies. Throughout the conversation, he emphasises the powerful link between academic motivation and social-emotional wellbeing, advocating for integrated approaches that strengthen both learning and belonging.

The discussion also highlights the role of schools in fostering community, addressing mental health, and equipping staff through targeted counselling programs and professional learning. Dr Martin outlines the principles of autonomy-supportive teaching—balancing clear structure with meaningful student agency—to enhance engagement and resilience.

Looking ahead, the episode explores the impact of generative AI on student learning, including the importance of “load reduction instruction” to ensure deep understanding in an AI-enabled world. Ultimately, this conversation centres on a shared goal: developing confident, creative young people who embrace challenge, view mistakes as opportunities for growth, and remain meaningfully engaged in their learning journey.