Motivation is one of the main determining factors of success in developing a second or foreign language. However, motivation is a complex phenomenon and the more its constructs are understood the better we are able to understand the extent to which we can influence it. Teachers can cultivate student motivation to varying degrees and play a central role in activating and sustaining it. This paper identifies the components that influence student motivation in language learning and proposes ways in which teachers can improve levels of motivation in the classroom and the extent to which these measures are effective.