ABSTRACT
The focus of this chapter is on ways in which parents can influence their children’s motivation to learn and how teachers can promote positive outcomes by supporting parents’ involvement in their children’s education. Issues concerning motivation and the broader culture also are discussed. The chapter begins with a discussion of family influence on motivation by way of parenting practices as described by Baumrind, self-determination theory, and perspectives on emotional support; parental modeling, use of rewards and punishments, and communication of beliefs also are discussed as mechanisms of influence. This section ends with a discussion of parental involvement and ways in which educators can promote family-school connections. Following sections focus on minority and at-risk students, including a discussion of stereotype threat; strategies for enhancing the motivation of these students are offered. The chapter ends with a description of similarities and differences in motivation across cultures and nations.
