The Will to Learn: A Guide for Motivating Young People

by Martin V. Covington

Overview

Martin Covington introduces the basic principles of motivation in a readable, nontechnical form as they apply to classroom learning. He argues against the popular notion that the problems existing in schools today stem primarily from a lack of student motivation. Instead, he asserts that students are motivated, but often for the wrong reasons. Traditional teaching methods, including conventional grading procedures and an emphasis on competition, can contribute to student demoralization, and Covington identifies the ways in which students respond to misguided incentives. The book suggests practical, concrete ways that teachers can transform classroom incentives into a positive desire to learn. It features a series of illustrative exercises at the end of each chapter and includes the latest research on gender and ethnic differences in motivation and learning in schools.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521553537
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	07/28/1998
Pages:	332
Product dimensions:	6.22(w) x 9.25(h) x 1.06(d)

Table of Contents

1. The future and its discontents; 2. Motives as emotions; 3. Motives as thoughts; 4. Self-worth and the fear of failure; 5. The competitive learning game; 6. Motivational equity and the will to learn; 7. Strategic thinking and the will to learn; 8. An immodest proposal; 9. Obstacles to change: the myths of competition; Epilogue; Appendixes; References; Author index; Subject index.