R.E.A.L. Framework

Reclaim Attention. Restore Thinking. Reignite Learning.

🔬 MAPS Motivation Lab

Tap into the neuroscience of what drives students to care, try, and grow—with strategies you can use tomorrow.

💡 Motivation Isn’t Magic—It’s Designed

When students seem unmotivated, it’s not because they don’t care. It’s because the conditions for motivation haven’t been intentionally created.

The MAPS Motivation Lab helps educators design learning environments where students feel purpose, curiosity, growth, and belonging—because motivation is biological, not just behavioral.

🧠 What Is MAPS?

MAPS is a brain-aligned framework grounded in cognitive science, neuroscience, and adolescent development. It identifies the four key conditions that release dopamine and drive sustained effort:

🧭 The MAPS Framework

MMeaningLearning feels purposeful and personal
AAnticipationCuriosity is sparked and sustained
PProgressGrowth is visible and achievable
SSocial RewardBelonging, praise, and recognition fuel momentum

🔁 Why MAPS Works

  • Dopamine Boost: Each element of MAPS taps into the brain’s reward system to reinforce motivation.
  • Cognitive Clarity: MAPS gives teachers a planning lens for student effort, not just compliance.
  • Equity-Focused: When students see themselves in the work and feel progress, gaps close faster.

🛠 What You’ll Learn in the MAPS Lab

  • How to design dopamine-rich lessons using MAPS
  • Planning templates and student-facing tools to embed motivation
  • Real classroom examples where MAPS led to breakthroughs
  • Micro-strategies you can try tomorrow
  • How MAPS aligns with the R.E.A.L. Framework for deep learning

đŸ§Ș Sample Strategies You’ll Explore

MAPS LeverTry This
MeaningAsk students to connect today’s topic to their life or values
AnticipationStart with a “what if
” question or lesson teaser
ProgressUse a visual progress tracker or checklist
Social RewardCelebrate with public praise, peer shoutouts, or digital badges

🔍 Who It’s For

  • Classroom teachers looking to reignite student effort
  • Coaches designing brain-aligned PD
  • Leaders shifting from compliance to cognitive motivation
  • Curriculum teams seeking a new lens on engagement

🎯 Outcomes You Can Expect

  • Students re-engaging with learning for internal reasons
  • Teachers planning with motivation in mind—not just content coverage
  • Schoolwide shift from “work completion” to meaningful growth

đŸ“© Ready to bring the MAPS Lab to your school or team?
[Schedule a Session] | [Download the MAPS Toolkit] | [Explore Real Class Examples]

Let’s stop chasing engagement—and start designing for it.