This article is very lengthy along with most of the others so to sum it up here are the main points.

It talks about optimal learning situations and what they will feature (a) a motivationally optimal match with the learner’s current characteristics and (b) content and activities that are currently perceived or at least have the potential to become perceived as relevant to the learner’s person identity or agendas. It also says that models of cognitive development and learning typically include a readiness principle. Learners must be ready for a task and be able to do what the task requires or be able to develop skills in order to do the task. Optimal match concepts suggest that the best tasks are those that are not too easy nor too difficult. There is a part in the article about identification/ self-relevance perceptions and it suggests that subjective task value has three major components, attainment value, intrinsic or interest value and utility value.

Overall the article basically states that kids are going to learn more if they are interested in the topic and if the teacher supplies the children with a motivational learning environment and attitude.