A variety of motivational mechanisms predispose us to respond positively to signs that we are accepted by the group (connecting), and it also means that we are motivated to work hard for groups we identify with (harmonizing). – Matthew D. Lieberman, Social, p. 259
If you feel you need to “motivate” a student to learn language in your class…
If you feel like s/he isn’t trying hard enough…
If you feel like they don’t really want to be there…
If you feel like their energy sucks air out of your room…
Swallow your pride and pour buckets of love on that kid. Talk with and about that kid positively to the class. Make sure s/he and all others completely understand your conversation. Completely. Don’t allow ambiguity. Create the expectation that the class remember the details about that kid that are shared and discovered. Hold them accountable for understanding those details, reading those details, writing those details and speaking those details. Don’t allow a single snicker or chortle.
Buckets of love. A little at a time. Over time.
See how much “motivation” s/he needs after a few weeks.