Eager to Learn: Helping Children Become Motivated and Love Learning

Addressing parents and teachers, this straightforward exploration of motivation for learning as a lifelong trait is a significant contribution to the understanding of a complex process. As the authors note, virtually all children are born with motivation to learn, but many experience the diminishing of interest as their schooling progresses, particularly throughout adolescence, accounting for the worrisome national dropout rate of 29%. Wlodkowski ( Motivation and Teaching ) and Jaynes, counselor at the University of Puget Sound, identify potential diminishers of motivation to learn, which cross ethnic and class boundaries. Among their findings is that enthusiastic involvement of parents is key; coupled with similar enthusiasm from teachers as role models, the combination leads to success for students. The proferred suggestions and guidelines, ideas and methods are practical. (Feb.)