Abstract: any human activity is associated with motivation. The concept of motivation is multifaceted, studied by many sciences: Sociology, Pedagogy, Age and General Psychology, Management, Economics. In addition, scientists are engaged in research in the field of motivation. Each of these sciences considers motivation, using methods and means specific to a particular field, studying both theoretical and practical aspects. However, the complexity of the phenomena of motives and motivation, the incompleteness of their understanding lead to an ambiguous interpretation of terms on this problem. Motivation occupies an important place in the structure of personality. The concept of motivation is used to explain the driving forces of human behavior, describing the causes of activities. Motivation determines not only the activity, but also includes the prospect of its further development and direction. This article discusses the concept of motivation, psychological and pedagogical approaches to its study, provides examples of foreign and domestic research and theories of justification of the nature of motivation. Educational motivation, as its particular form, includes such components as needs, goals, interest, emotions. To ensure the success of educational activities, the teacher needs to understand the mechanisms of motivation, know the factors that affect motivation and be able to use them effectively.
Keywords: education, educational process, motivation, educational motivation, need, motive, purpose, interest