Student motivation is a key factor that affects students’ participation. It can be intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external). Although both achieve the same result (the acquisition of knowledge and skills of the individual), there are major differences between them. While intrinsic motivation is a response to students' internal needs, the source of extrinsic motivation comes from outside and relates mainly to a satisfactory test result, a good final grade, teacher’s praise or parents’ reward. A number of factors affect motivation: the psycho-physical structure of students, the characteristics of the course content, teaching technology, socio-cultural conditions and environment, the use of different methods and teaching techniques, creativity in teaching geography, and the tasks and responsibilities of students. Numerous motivational techniques are used for raising motivation in teaching geography. Cooperative learning is one of the ways of activating and motivating students, and it is based on individual, pair work or working in groups. An educated, motivated and creative teacher is also one of the decisive factors of motivation in the teaching process.