The Will to Learn: Cultivating Student Motivation Without Losing Your Own

by Dave Stuart

Do the work. Do it with care.

This is a book about love. That is, the active, earnest, and intelligent pursuit of our neighbors’ good. Teachers embody this kind of love; we seek and serve the wholeness of others.

At the center of this love lies Dave Stuart Jr.’s philosophy that every teacher of every subject area in our schools has the potential to enrich students’ lives long-term through the power of student motivation. From art and physical education to science and social studies―schools can make good on their promise and this book will show you how. Join Stuart in this personable journey by tackling student motivation through

The Five Key Beliefs of credibility, value, effort, efficacy, and belonging Ten strategies for incorporating the Five Key Beliefs into everyday teaching Common struggles for each strategy and how to overcome them A companion website with additional resources, videos, and downloadables Do the work. Do it with care. These inspirational guideposts will help us all build a world in which all schools can be both productive and humane.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction

280 pages, Paperback

Published May 12, 2023

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having wrapped up my 20th year of teaching, it’s hard to come across new methods. This book is a wonderfully clear and efficient reminder of what I do well and ways I can improve. And these ways don’t involve hours of work or overhauling my curriculum. Simple, small tweaks or additions that will help both me and my students find meaning and motivation in what we do together in my English classroom.

[Alma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feel so pumped for a new school year after reading this book.

[Nicole Means · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical guide for teachers of all grade levels and content area. The author is an actual classroom teacher using real examples of how the strategies impact his students.

[Courtney Cahoon White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gave me some concrete strategies to use in the classroom.

[Merissa Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were so many good things in this book. I can't wait to try them in my room to see how they help.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It’s so useful and hopeful.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some good suggestions I'd like to try. Some I already do, so that was validating. The format on ebook is a little tricky; I think I would have liked to read this in a bound format.

[Penny Louks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended by a colleague friend of mine. It is extremely energizing and instructive in an engaging way that I look forward to applying this next school year. Some of the principles he puts forth are ones that I already employ at some level; however, some of the ideas are definitely those "aha" moments all teachers have, thinking, "Why didn't I think of that--it makes so much sense!" I would highly recommend this book, especially for middle and high school level teachers where the student motivation takes a deep dive. I am looking forward to professional development in a couple of weeks where the author himself will be presenting.

[Genevieve Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curious to know if any teachers kinda felt attacked on this one? Feel like it’s another example of asking teachers to do even more than what we are compensated for… asking for perfection in what we do, but not demanding it of our students, admin, parents, etc. honestly sets unrealistic expectations for any new(ish) teachers and fails to account all the larger systematic barriers we face as educators. Tired of reading books like this for PD when we are failing to tackle the actual problems of our failing education system

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d give this a 4.5 if I could, but when choosing between 4 and 5 I had to go with 5. Sometimes the book and author’s messaging felt too grandiose, over-the-top, and teacher-as-savior-y, and that’s what keeps me from a true 5 star rating. However, other ideas, insights, and recommendations were so valuable, evidenced by my highlighter running out of ink during this reading, that I couldn’t give it a 4 ejther. While I did have to take a break from the book in the middle, I ultimately found this to be a read that I’d recommend to any educator.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just completed my 15th year of teaching. I have been a big fan of DSJ’s books, blog, and online classes. I found this book to be extremely practical and realistic, while still be motivational. I finished each section with a to-do list of ways that I can use to build relationships and motivate my students. Dave struck a home run with this book. Helpful no matter what year of teaching you are in.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reminders and thoughts to consider as a secondary teacher. Many times secondary teachers question how something might pertain to their content area/class. This book is filled with examples from all disciplines and gives great ideas for how to cultivate student motivation. I particularly found the sections on credibility and value to be the most interesting and useful.

[Amanda Bauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book for a class. I loved how the book had color images and graphics throughout. The authors Five Beliefs for student motivation are straightforward and easy to follow. My biggest hang up was this was mainly geared for secondary educators and I am an elementary teacher but felt like I could adapt as needed. Good read.

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a long time reader of Dave Stuart Jr's blog and have found his work to be incredibly useful. This book is clear and contains insights that are easy to apply quickly to instruction. I'll probably give one to my next student teacher.

[Bechard’s.middle.mania of the · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for allllll teachers!! Sooooo many great points and ideas that are attainable. Written by a teacher for teachers and it shows. Best PD book I’ve read. Ordered his other book and can’t wait to begin that one!

[Adam Hallihan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author does a great job of addressing key classroom scenarios with practical strategies that are research-based.

As a 19-year vet in the classroom I think the book has usefulness for every teacher and so cannot recommend it enough.

[Kelly Garinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is more than a book about teaching. It’s a book about living well, challenging others, and seeing the best in everyone.

[Heather Burdette Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, practical and motivational book from one of my favorite teacher-bloggers.

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for a book club book with my colleagues. This book sparked good conversation and allowed us to open our eyes to the possibilities of new best practices.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a better teacher because of DSJ. Just like the years of blogging, TWL is full of ideas that can make a difference today. I got so much out of it.

[Regan Galvan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The thesis and initial framework are interesting. The rest is garbled.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE best, most practical and inspiring book I have ever read on motivation.

[David Beller · Rating 5 out of 5]

practical strategies and methods for the teachers on the classroom

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good....more affirmative than practical for me, but it might be just what a new teacher needs. It is based on the 5 Core Beliefs from These 6 Things, which I love.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for new teachers and veterans looking for a reminder of ways to systemize strategies already in their repertoire and potentially some new thoughts too. Concrete and easy to digest.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that will follow me for the rest of my career. I highly recommend to anyone in any sort of educational or teaching role, it's marvelous!

[Kae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did an incredible job of covering the content that I knew I needed, but I wasn’t getting from my teaching English classes. I really enjoyed it and learned so much!

[Rita Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many great ideas and things to try! Excited to see the impact this learning will have.