Ever wish your students were more motivated? If you’re like most of us, you have tried an array of rewards and punishments to motivate kids. There’s only one problem: it doesn’t work. At least it doesn't work well enough. People (yes, even students) aren’t motivated from the outside so rewards and punishments only work to a point. We are internally motivated. That’s why it's essential to engage and inspire students to be motivated to succeed in school (and life.)

If you’re ready to move beyond the reward/punishment model and embrace a whole new way to understand motivation, I encourage you to come back regularly. It’s time to challenge the status quo and create schools and classrooms based on what really motivates behavior.


Thursday, July 21, 2011

Perseverance and the Relentless Pursuit of McNuggets!

Looking for a way to kill the natural enthusiasm for learning and the development a positive character traits? Read "Perseverance and the Relentless Pursuit of McNuggets" to see how one school applies the "tried and true" principles of external motivation.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Cheating on High-Stakes Testing: Can You Believe It?

The recent cheating scandal in Atlanta has people "shocked" and "appalled." Not me. If anything, I'm surprised there isn't more wide-spread cheating. You can get my take on the situation by clicking here.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

"Criminal Minds:" The Misrepresentation of Dr. William Glasser

Quotations that are incomplete or taken out of context can certainly result in the creation of inaccurate perceptions. Read how the TV show "Criminal Minds" misrepresented Dr. William Glasser, the creator of choice theory.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Race To The Top: As "Top-Down" As It Gets

President Obama applauds innovation that grows "from the bottom up," saying that's the path to genuine education reform. But Race To The Top, created by Obama and Arne Duncan, requires states to agree to federally favored "innovations" in order to receive funding that is necessary to improve schools!

If that sounds like double-speak to you, read "Race To The Top: As 'Top-Down' As It Gets."

By the way, I'm not trying to engage in Obama-bashing. I voted for him and expect to again next year. I simply find myself confused by his educational policies.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Total Behavior: A Concept that Offers Hope

The choice theory concept of "total behavior" is not just a bit of interesting academia. The real-world ramifications are incredible. To learn how scientists are hoping to apply what we know, read "Total Behavior: A Concept that Offers Hope."

Monday, May 2, 2011

Perceived Problems Demand Action (Even if it doesn't help!)

"Our educational system is in shambles!" At least that's what a lot of voices are screaming. When people of action perceive a problem, they'll take steps to remedy the issue even when the evidence suggests their "bold initiatives" aren't effective. Two examples involve merit pay and charter schools. Read more here.

Monday, April 18, 2011

External Motivation: The Quick Fix That Doesn't Last

Lots of research seems to suggest that rewards are effective. But....most studies fail to look at the results over time. If you're interested in how effective external rewards (and other forms of control) are over time, take a few minutes to read "External Motivation: The Quick Fix that Doesn't Last." You be surprised by what you discover.