Activating the Desire to Learn

Activating the Desire to Learn

The research is indisputable: Students are less disruptive and do better academically in schools that cultivate the internal motivation of students. In <i>Activating the Desire to Learn</i>, veteran educator Bob Sullo shows how to apply lessons from the research on motivation in the classroom.<P>According to the author, we are all driven to fulfill five essential needs: to connect, to be competent, to make choices, to have fun, and to be safe. Studies show that when these needs are met in schools, good behavior and high achievement tend naturally to ensue. <P>Written as a series of candid dialogues between the author and K–12 students, teachers, counselors, and administrators,<i> Activating the Desire to Learn</i> covers everything you need to know to change the dynamics of learning in your classroom or school:<P>* A comprehensive overview of the research on internal motivation;<br>* Case studies of strategies for activating internal motivation at the elementary, middle, and high school levels;<br>* Suggestions on how to assess degrees of student motivation; and<br>* Guidelines for integrating the principles of internal motivation with standards-based instruction.<P>Motivating students is not the issue—the hunger to learn is ever-present. Yet schools continue to insist on the traditional reward-punishment model, to the detriment of student achievement. Clearly it’s time for change. This engaging and thought-provoking book will help you create a culture of achievement by building on the inherent drive to succeed that students bring to the classroom every day.