SINGAPORE – Imagine a child who takes responsibility for his or her own learning, needs little supervision, and tries to solve problems independently.

Or a young learner who sets his or her own goals instead of waiting for instructions, and does not give up when the work gets tough.

Having a child who is self-motivated and does not need to be nagged to do revision is a dream come true for exhausted parents.

It may be a tall order, but there are ways to consciously and consistently cultivate this quality.

There are many types of motivation, and understanding the differences will help parents bring out the best in their child.

Professor Liu Woon Chia, director at the National Institute of Education, has done extensive research on motivation. She says children have different temperaments and learning styles, so motivational strategies should be adapted accordingly.

For example, an anxious child may benefit from reassurance and less emphasis on results, while one who is easily distracted may respond better to structured routines and shorter study sessions.

On the other hand, children who resist studying may respond better when given...