Motivation to Learn: Transforming Classroom Culture to Support Student Achievement

Harness the power of motivation to transform the learning experience!
 
When properly channeled, motivation propels learning forward. Yet teachers across all grade levels and disciplines struggle to recognize and cultivate this dynamic, social force in the classroom. This essential resource proves that all students are motivated to learn, and provides authentic tools to create and sustain a classroom community that is highly engaged. You’ll discover:

• Reflection activities that promote student voice and self-efficacy as well as assess existing motivation levels
• Case studies and best practices based on current motivation theory and research
• Strategies to design meaningful learning tasks and build positive relationships with students and colleagues

This practical guide, aligned with Race to The Top Initiatives for teacher evaluation and Common Core Standards implementation, shows educators not only how to identify and harness motivation but also to sustain it over time. This is the one resource that will engage you in the thoughtful exploration of motivation and provide you with field-tested strategies that actively involving students, teachers and the whole school.

"The information and reflective exercises presented here allow a faculty to come together, tap into core beliefs, and create a culture of classroom motivation that energizes the entire school."
―Melanie Mares Sainz, Academic Coach
Lowndes Middle School, Valdosta, GA

Michael Middleton is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Education Department at the University of New Hampshire where he researches and examines the relation of classroom and culture to adolescent identity and motivation in diverse community settings. Currently, he holds the John and H. Irene Peters Professorship in Education to support his teaching, research and service and has been a recipient of a UNH Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award. Primarily,  his teaching focuses on the preparation of educators to meet the complex demands of classroom teaching.  Early in his career, Michael was a high school mathematics teacher working with at-risk youth.  He currently lives in New Hampshire with his son.


As a Senior Program Associate at WestEd, Kevin Perks is responsible for supporting professional learning around standards-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment in schools and districts across the U.S. As an expert in literacy and standards implementation, Kevin frequently provides workshops and professional learning experiences to educators across the country. He has recently worked with schools in Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Rhode Island.