Why don't most kids work very hard in school? What can be done to increase the engagement of our children in learning? Everyone concerned about improving the quality of elementary and secondary schools in the United States will want to read this accessible volume that provides a framework for thinking about what can be done to increase student engagement in learning. It is an important contribution to the ongoing dialogue among practitioners, policy makers, and the public at large about many existing proposals for school reform. In addition to offering a number of suggestions for specific new policies and practices, it poses several broader philosophical questions that deserve serious consideration by opinion leaders and the general public.

"A concrete and readable guide to understanding the forces shaping students' motivation...Thoughtful, timely, and compelling, this study will serve as a great reference for further research in the field and is recommended not only for educators but for parents and teachers as well." - Library Journal

"Educational researcher Goslin examines the forces that keep students from taking an interest in their studies, and, thus, from achieving academic success, in this in-depth analysis." - Publishers Weekly