Motivating Students Who Don't Care: Proven Strategies to Engage All Learners

by Allen N. Mendler

In the second edition of this valuable resource, Allen Mendler offers both time-tested and newly developed strategies for how to reignite enthusiasm in even the most unmotivated students. Educators gain fresh ideas on how to integrate social-emotional development into daily classroom instruction, use technology and digital tools to enhance learning, and reduce the anxiety students feel in our ever-changing education environment.
Introduction
Chapter 1: Emphasize Effort
Chapter 2: Create Confidence and Hope
Chapter 3: Value Involvement and Influence
Chapter 4: Build Relationships
Chapter 5: Spark Enthusiasm for Learning
Don't Give Up!
References and Resources
Index

Genres: Teaching, Nonfiction, Education

120 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2021

Reviews

[avery · Rating 2 out of 5]

i was willing to look past the dated ideas about teaching during a pandemic, but some of this advice is just straight up bad. for example: encouraging students to hold their breath for as long as possible for a fun brain break activity or my favorite making personal phone calls directly to students to build relationships

[Nate Balcom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read with some good basic strategies for motiving students. Contemplating for a quick book, voluntary, study with staff who are interested.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pros: Quick and easy to read, full of practical strategies that are applicable immediately, has examples spanning younger elementary through high school

Cons: The strategies explained in this book are helpful for students, classes, and schools where there is a shared understanding that the mission is to learn. Trying to use these for students post-Covid/remote learning seems like putting a band-aid on a gaping wound.

[‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎Soroush Torkian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some interesting frameworks to try out. I have already tried some of them from experience and they worked from what I recall. However, the suggestions should not be treated as one size fits all but just a list of hypothesis to test out and see if it works.

In short, practical but needs more field testing because the book itself doesn’t provide videos or ways to see the advice in action.

[Lauren Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book for calling it like it is; we need to have high standards and expectations for our students and we need to emphasize the building of an excellent foundation in reading, writing, and math, and we need to continue to build on that foundation daily throughout their lives. It is an unpopular opinion to demand performance right now but I appreciate a book that is brave enough to ask for it.

I also appreciate a book that gently puts teachers on the spot to do the work required to reach every kid so they can build that foundation and continue building upon it because no matter how good we are or how hard we try, if we are honest, there are things we could do better.

More than anything, I love this book because it prioritizes relationships and fun over performance as well as getting creative with learning. We don’t have to pick between academics, fun, relationships, and growth; we can and should have them all with our students.

This is a good read if you’re feeling burnt out by your toughest customers. It might give you the motivation you need to reach that one kid and if you reach even one it is worthwhile.

[Michael Loveless · Rating 4 out of 5]

Motivating students is everything you want in an education book. It's short (less than 100 pages), it's specific and practical, and the techniques it suggests can easily be integrated into whatever a teacher is currently doing. I would give it 4.5 stars if that were possible. I only see two drawbacks. It's aimed primarily at grade school students, but the ideas can pretty easily be adapted to high school. Its big ideas are ones you probably already know. However, if you're like me, you may need reminders of things you know, but have been forgetting to do. For example, the book talks about the importance of relationships, focusing on student effort, being enthusiastic about your subject matter.... These ideas aren't revolutionary, but they are easy to overlook as teachers get busy. Also, the specific ideas are often good ones that I haven't used before. I would strongly recommend Motivating Students to any teacher. It's a book for our times.

[Michael Wolcott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick book with useful strategies to promote engagement and motivation. Definitely a K-12 focus and limited discussion on theoretical frameworks about motivation, instead much more practical approaches specific to the author’s framework.

[Cathryn Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather than so many suggestions, I would like to read some instances where educators practiced the strategies. What were some of the results and how were the strategies effective? What went well and what didn’t? Third edition coming soon?

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a teacher, and my awesome principal provided this book to me. It validated a lot of what I’ve been doing and made me feel so much better and full of purpose.

[Brittney Crenshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s ok, I didn’t necessarily learn anything, but I didn’t disagree with anything.

[libronerd4 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reminders not a lot of new info

[Jessica Pennington · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible! Nothing new or innovative.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a good, quick read for K-12 teachers. There are some usable tips for higher ed, but that's not the target reading audience.

[Sarah Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy, quick read. It includes a lot of great tips to help motivate students. I plan to implement quite a few in my own classroom soon!

[Lauren Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pieces about elementary students was easily applicable to my everyday teaching! Would recommend to any educator struggling with this side of teaching within the classroom.

[Dr. Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had ideas that were validating to a seasoned teacher Ed Professor!

[Cheryl Sitmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as helpful as I hoped it would be. I read it with a group of teachers and our discussions were thought provoking.