Student Motivation, School Culture, & Academic Achievement: What School Leaders Can Do

Student Motivation, School Culture, & Academic Achievement: What School Leaders Can Do - "A brief narrative description of the journal article, document, or resource.    This publication focuses on motivation at the school level and identifies ways in which administrators can improve student academic achievement. Chapter 1 discusses the influence of school culture on student motivation, based on recent research that suggests the importance of educational leaders in creating a motivating environment for improved student performance. Chapter 2 examines the relationships among student motivation, current educational practices, and school restructuring. Research indicates that many pedagogical practices effectively stifle most students' desire to learn. This calls for a radical change in teaching. The third chapter provides a brief overview of some current theories of motivation at the individual and organizational levels. The conclusion suggests that school leaders attempt a variety of strategies for increasing student motivation. Three approaches are identified: cultivating a conducive school culture; restructuring instructional practices; and understanding the variety of motivational factors. Specific administrative tactics are outlined."