A review of literature dealing with psychological needs, including work by Maslow (with explanations of comfort, security, the social instinct, ego gratification, and self actualization) serves as a foundation for an examination of the problem of motivating students. Two major causes of lack of motivation, poor teaching and poor curriculum, are considered. It is pointed out that, unless the curriculum is designed in such a way that students find a purpose and relationship between their studies and real life, schools are going to continue to bore them. Symptoms of lack of motivation, in particular three stages of student "burn-out," are described. These physical and psychological manifestations of loss of motivation are described to indicate to the alert teacher that a student has erected a block to meaningful learning. Suggestions are made for ways in which teachers can develop self-motivation in students. Particular emphasis is placed on developing questioning and listening skills and the use of positive reinforcement. (JD)