Studies on academic motivation from the perspective of goal orientation have been plentiful in recent years. Nonetheless, the conceptual and empirical approach is not uniform, evolving from normative conceptions toward other multidimensional ones. This paper analyzes the classic and reformulated versions of this theory, looking at assumptions, empirical evidence, inconsistencies and research developed along both lines of study. Finally, it evaluates implications in carrying some of these insufficiently verified principles into educational practice.