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.


Friday, September 24, 2010

A Sense of Purpose

Education has the potential to be a deeply satisfying career, in part because what we do matters. Creating a sense of purpose is essential if you want to experience genuine happiness. Read about the need to have a sense of purpose.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Teaching, Learning, & Responsibility

Please take a few minutes to read what I have to say about "Teaching, Learning, & Responsibility." As always, I encourage and welcome your comments.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Poor Grammar, Tough Talk, & Hyperbole

The Arne Duncan approach to education reform is characterized by tough talk and hyperbole. To make matters worse, there are the grammatical lapses. Read more: "Poor Grammar, Tough Talk, & Hyperbole."

Sure, Our School Has Problems, But We'll Pay You to Enroll Your Child!

Here's a new twist: a school is offering parents money to enroll their kids! Only one catch: the school doesn't do a great job providing a good education. Read "Sure, Our School Has Problems, But We'll Pay You to Enroll Your Child!"

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Getting at the Roots of Bullying

I encourage you to read my new article, "Getting at the Roots of Bullying," published by the Virginia Journal of Education. I examine how to prevent bullying and how to intervene when it does occur.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

No Testing, Please: We're Teaching (and Learning)!

Read about a school in New Hampshire that has decided to abandon unnecessary testing. They will use authentic assessment and increase teaching time. Congratulations to Timberlane Regional High School! Click here.