Table of Contents
About the Author xi
Introduction 1
Why Some Students Are Unmotivated 2
Beliefs That Support Success 4
In This Second Edition 5
Questions for Reflection 6
Chapter 1 Emphasize Effort 7
Why Emphasizing Effort Is Important 8
Strategies to Emphasize Effort 8
Use the Language of Effort 9
Avoid Labels 10
Build on Mistakes or Partially Correct Answers 11
Allow Redos, Retakes, and Revisions 12
Separate Effort From Achievement When Grading 13
Encourage Little Improvements Every Day 16
Show Simple Courtesy 17
Reframe Unmotivated Behavior to Promote Effort 18
Ask for Small Things First 19
Change Efforts to Commitments 20
Provide Reasons for Effort 21
Celebrate Milestones 23
Questions for Reflection 23
Chapter 2 Create Confidence and Hope 25
Why Creating Confidence and Hope Is Important 26
Strategies to Create Confidence and Hope 26
Demonstrate the Benefits of Achievement 26
Make School-Life Connections 27
Find the Right Level of Challenge 28
Acknowledge That Academic Achievement Is Not the Only Pathway to Success 29
Emphasize the Importance of Learning 30
Ensure Proficiency in Foundational Skills 31
Own Your Mistakes 32
Develop Goals With Students 32
Help Students Get and Stay Organized 33
Focus on Success 34
Ensure the End Is in Sight 36
Give Before You Get 36
Demand More Than You Expect 38
Offer Homework as an Optional Bonus 38
Encourage and Support Positive Affirmations 40
Questions for Reflection 41
Chapter 3 Value Involvement and Influence 43
Why Valuing Involvement and Influence Is Important 44
Strategies to Value Involvement and Influence 44
Challenge Refusals Respectfully 45
Express Gratitude 45
Involve Students in Developing Procedures, Rules, and Consequences 46
Defer to Student Power 47
Ask for Opinions 48
Invite Students to Teach 49
Delegate Responsibilities 50
Collect Supplies From Students 51
Deal Effectively With Power Struggles 52
Welcome Students Back to Class 53
Problem-Solve With Students by Phone 53
Make Sure Students Know They Have What It Takes 55
Use External Rewards Effectively 55
Offer Choices 58
Encourage Mindfulness 59
Questions for Reflection 59
Chapter 4 Build Relationships 61
Why Building Relationships Is Important 62
Strategies to Build Relationships 62
Be Authentic 63
Let Students Know They Are More Important Than Their Behavior 64
Invite Student Feedback 65
Send Notes to Students 67
Offer Genuine Compliments 67
Use Two-Minute Interventions 69
Invite Students to Lunch 70
Encourage Students to Support and Motivate Each Other 70
Support Students in Times of Crisis or Uncertainty 71
Questions for Reflection 73
Chapter 5 Spark Enthusiasm for Learning 75
Why Sparking Enthusiasm for Learning Is Important 76
Strategies to Spark Enthusiasm for Learning 76
Let Students Know You Love Being Their Teacher 76
Share Your Enthusiasm for Teaching 77
Demonstrate That You Are a Lifelong Learner 78
Be Lighthearted 80
Grab Students' Interest and Attention 80
Encourage Movement in Your Lessons 81
Integrate Drama and Music 83
Connect With Students Through Popular Topics 84
Include Special Theme Days 86
Ask Open-Ended Questions 86
Implement Digital or Virtual Learning Effectively 87
Embrace Video Games as Learning Tools 89
Questions for Reflection 90
Epilogue: Don't Give Up!93
References and Resources 95
Index 101
