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.


Saturday, August 28, 2010

Standardized Testing, Reality, & Perception

The debate about standardized testing nicely illustrates the relationship between perception and reality. Read about it in "Standardized Testing, Perception, & Reality."

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Choice Theory: An Introduction

I just completed an introductory piece about Choice Theory with some commentary about implcations for educators. I hope you'll check it out by clicking here.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Want to Stop Bullying? (Some Things You Should Know)

Despite the cries that we need "more research" and "stricter enforcement" to effectively address the problem of bullying, there are things that you should know and things we can do now. To learn more, read "Want to Stop Bullying? Some Things You Should Know."

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Beyond Goals: Creating An Inspiring Classroom

Want to start the school year off right and create a classroom where the students are more motivated to do what you want? Read my article "Beyond Goals: Creating An Inspiring Classroom." It describes a process you can use to create a shared vision of success with your students.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Race to The Top: An Invitation to the Bad Old Days

We live in an increasingly interdependent world where collaboration is more important than ever. What does "Race to the Top" offer? A competition that pits teachers against each other. Read more here.

How Important is Academic Rigor?

Does academic rigor prepare students to be more successful? You may be surprised by some recent research. Click here to read more.

Separating Students by Gender

Read my recent thoughts about separating students by gender.

What are your thoughts about this increasingly popular practice?