Hierarchy of student learning motivation (modified from Maslow11)
| Stage | Learner's motivation |
| 1 | Physical needs (e.g. hunger) |
| 2 | Emotional needs (e.g. feeling safe) |
| 3 | Social needs (e.g. feeling part of a group and not alone) |
| 4–5 | Learning begins (after steps 1–3) |