The Will to Learn
A Guide for Motivating Young People

Martin Covington introduces the basic principles of motivation as they apply to classroom learning in a readable, non-technical form.

Martin V. Covington (Author)

9780521556798, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 28 July 1997

332 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 1.9 cm, 0.499 kg

This book introduces the basic principles of motivation as they apply to classroom learning and management in a readable, non-technical form. Covington 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, sometimes even overly 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. For some students, motivation is directed at avoiding failure by avoiding participation. For others, demoralization leads to withdrawal from an educational system that they believe to be irrelevant to their lives. Still other students are driven to prove their worth by outperforming fellow students. The book suggests practical, concrete ways that teachers can use classroom incentives to inspire a desire to learn.

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.

Subject Areas: Educational psychology [JNC]