Provides an overview of the research on internal motivation. Includes strategies for activating internal motivation at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Provides suggestions on how to assess degrees of student motivation and guidelines for integrating the principles of internal motivation with standards-based instruction.

Theory and research -- Understanding internal motivation -- "Where's the evidence?" -- Elementary school -- Competition is as important as cooperation -- Helping students value learning -- From bossing to leading -- "Consequence" is not a four-letter word -- Middle school -- Positive relationships support competence and high standards -- Self-evaluation leads to lasting change -- Inspiring through collaboration -- Being what we choose -- High school -- Creating a need-satisfying environment -- From telling to asking -- From enforcing to teaching responsibility and fostering positive -- Relationships -- Reflections of a high school senior -- Final thoughts.