Moving Beyond Traditional Motivation in Education With The Will to Learn by Dave Stuart Jr.

As student engagement and motivation seem to be at an all-time low, educators and parents are searching for new ways to ignite the love of learning within young people. Dave Stuart Jr., author of the groundbreaking book "The Will to Learn," brings fresh insights to this challenge. 

As both an experienced educator and researcher, Stuart has spent over a decade exploring what truly motivates students to learn. His work, which began with his 2018 book "These Six Things," has evolved into a comprehensive approach that's transforming classrooms across the nation. Stuart  joined host Jared Taylor and Heritage Academy Gateway principal Kathleen Lopez to discuss how we can move beyond traditional motivations and  tactics to cultivate authentic motivation in students' personal educational success.

More Than Just a Pandemic Problem

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed a drastic decline in student motivation, but these issues were present long before 2020. While many educators point to the pandemic as the source of current motivational challenges, Stuart  argues that COVID merely magnified what was already a concerning trend in secondary education. The disconnect between students and their want to learn has been growing for years, with many students viewing education as something being done to them rather than something they actively choose to pursue.

This amplification of existing problems has forced educators to acknowledge that the old system of grades, rewards, and punishments isn't creating the kind of engaged, lifelong learners our society needs. Even students who appear highly motivated are often just playing the grade game, focused more on external rewards than genuine learning.

The pandemic has created an opportunity for educators to reimagine how we approach student motivation. As schools have returned to normal operations, there's a growing recognition that we can't simply return to pre-pandemic practices. We need new approaches that address the root causes of student disengagement.

Redefining Motivation

In Stuart’s new book “The Will to Learn” he uses the garden as a base metaphor for how we can cultivate this want to learn. Rather than viewing motivation as an on/off switch, he encourages educators to think of it as something that must be cultivated. Like a garden, motivation requires the right conditions, consistent attention, and patience to grow and flourish.

Just as gardens can thrive or wither depending on their care, student motivation can be either nurtured or neglected. The key is understanding that every student has the potential for growth, given the right conditions and support. This perspective shifts the focus from trying to "fix" unmotivated students to creating environments where motivation can naturally develop.

The garden metaphor also acknowledges that motivation isn't a one-size-fits-all proposition. Different students, like different plants, may need varying types of support and encouragement to thrive. This helps educators move away from blanket approaches to motivation and toward more individualized strategies.

Building Genuine Connections Through Recognition

One of the most powerful strategies being discussed is the importance of "moments of genuine connection." These brief but meaningful interactions between teachers and students can transform the educational experience. Here's what makes these moments so effective:

• Personal Recognition - Acknowledging each student as an individual
• Intentional Tracking - Ensuring no student is overlooked
• Authentic Appreciation - Expressing genuine gratitude for student contributions
• Regular Frequency - Making connections consistently throughout the term
• Individual Focus - Taking time for one-on-one interactions

These moments of connection don't require elaborate planning or extensive time investments. They rely on teachers making efforts to acknowledge and appreciate their students as individuals. The impact of these small gestures can be profound, creating stronger relationships and increased engagement in the classroom.

Teachers systematically track these interactions to ensure they're reaching all students, not just the ones who naturally gravitate toward engagement; they are more likely to get that engagement. This helps create an inclusive classroom environment where every student feels seen and valued.

Cultivating Intrinsic Value

One thing that cannot be overlooked is the importance of helping students discover the value in learning. Rather than focusing solely on grades or college admission, Stuart encourages educators to help students find personal meaning in their studies. This means creating opportunities for students to explore why different subjects matter beyond immediate academic applications.

The "rainbow of why" concept introduces multiple pathways for students to find value in their learning. Some might appreciate the beauty of mathematical patterns, while others might connect with the practical applications of scientific principles. The goal is to help each student find their own compelling reasons to engage with the material.

This shift from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation exemplifies a fundamental change in how we approach education. Instead of trying to motivate students through external rewards, we're helping them discover their own reasons for wanting to learn. Creating more sustainable, long-term engagement with learning.

Nurturing Your Will to Learn

We need to embrace new strategies that help students develop an authentic desire to learn. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or school leader, you can implement these ideas. Create opportunities for them to discover the value in learning. Like a garden, motivation requires patience, care, and consistent attention.

The will to learn isn't something we can force or manufacture, but it is something we can cultivate. We can be the difference and help create the conditions where genuine motivation can flourish. As we move forward in education, let's focus on nurturing this intrinsic desire to learn, creating not just successful students, but lifelong learners who will continue growing and developing long after their formal education ends.

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Dave Stuart Jr., “Will to Learn” can be found here at Amazon or on Barnes and Noble.

Dave’s website - davestuartjr.com