Motivation is a set of factors that influence human behaviour in such a way as to stimulate it or turn it away from a particular activity. The aim of this study was to find out more about motivation in terms of its presence and implications for the learning process in 2nd year classes at a municipal school in João Pessoa.

The methodology used was descriptive field research with a qualitative approach, using an observation form and analysing documents. The results revealed the need to facilitate learning, as we noticed attitudes that demotivated the students, but we also saw meaningful lessons that contributed to the construction of knowledge.

We consider the following as incentives for motivating learning: an attractive physical environment, a relationship of knowledge building between teacher and pupil, a relationship of integration between pupils, the methodology used by the teacher aimed at quality teaching, appropriate teaching materials, lesson plans with clear objectives, good activities, the use of playful materials, all of which are present in the classroom and contribute to the intellectual development of pupils. .