"External control may lead to compliance, but it never inspires you to do your best," writes Bob Sullo in Activating the Desire to Learn. In fact, the research shows that students are less disruptive and do better academically in schools that cultivate students' internal motivation—their desire to learn "from the inside out." Sullo covers everything you need to know to change the dynamics of learning in your classroom or school, from a comprehensive overview of internal motivation research to integrating the principles of internal motivation with standards-based instruction. Case studies at the elementary, middle, and high school levels illustrate what the culture of achievement looks like in real schools.

This interview was conducted by ASCD project manager and staff writer Rick Allen.