Increasing Student Motivation

Margaret A. Theobald, Ed.D. has been at Southeast Missouri State University for the past twenty-four years and is a Professor in the Department of Middle and Secondary Education. She was a teacher at the middle and high school levels for more than 15 years in both public and parochial schools in Illinois and Missouri. She earned her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at Illinois State University with an emphasis on education at the middle level. She has served in several positions with the Missouri Middle School Association and its executive board, including the offices of secretary and president. Her research includes a statewide survey of middle-level practices and trends. The Missouri Middle School Association published the results of this survey in its' 1994 Missouri Middle Level Practices and Trends: A Resource Directory. She was also co-author for the 1995 publication, The Middle School Principal, Corwin Press. She has made numerous presentations at both the state and national levels and has published several articles. Her most recent research has been in the area of teaching strategies and student motivation.

Foreword by John A. Pohl Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction 1. Motivation Is a Mindset Each Student Learns Mistakes Aid Learning Positive Feedback Is Necessary Self-Concept Affects the Mindset Summary 2. Motivation Is Influenced Through Observation Project Intensity and Enthusiasm Model Self-Confidence Summary 3. Motivation Is Affected by Timing Timing of Needs Varies Needs Drive Objectives Summary 4. Motivation Is Independence Teach Goal Setting Encourage Performance Appraisal Provide for Self-Reinforcement Role-Play With Optional Actions Summary 5. Motivation Is Reflected in Victory Process Leads to Success Success Comes From Finished Products Summary 6. Motivation Involves Action Opportunities for Active Learning Situations for Hands-on Activities Summary 7. Motivation Is Increased Through Transfer Relate New to Old Learning Adapt Tasks to Student Interests Clarify the Abstract Summary 8. Motivation Is Inherent to Individuality Recognize Weaknesses and Strengths Relate Cognitive Experiences to Abilities Demonstrate Talents and Skills Express One's Differences From Others Summary 9. Motivation Is Rooted in Ownership Teach Responsibility Involve Students in Decisions Summary 10. Motivation Is Natural Challenge Students Encourage Student Expression Acknowledge Student Views Summary Resource A: Strategies and Learning Styles Resource B: Bloom's Taxonomy, Cognitive Resource C: Positive Word List Resource D: Example, Student Goals Resource E: Example, Student Lesson Plan References Index

"This book is a wonderful resource for both beginning and experienced teachers!" -- Art Dickinson, High School Physical Education Teacher "In our current era of test savvy students, we all need multiple ways to confront the increase in motivation required to have all students achieve their highest levels. Dr. Theobald has provided an important and readable resource for beginning and experienced teachers." -- David Waters, Principal "A valuable resource for teachers, principals and counselors. This book has a wealth of approaches to assist students to become involved in their own learning, resulting in greater accomplishments for them in the classroom." -- Ada L. Cruce, Professor Emeritus "An inspirational compendium of ideas, highly recommended for public and private educators alike." -- Wisconsin Bookwatch, November 2005