ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors accomplish three things. First, they identify two foundational elements that support the internalization of characteristics of human goodness. Then the authors describe three broad shifts that we need to make in schools to increase the internalization of selected character strengths, values, and virtues. Then they look at the specific evidence-based strategies for implementing effective means of promoting Intrinsic Motivation. The two most important elements in fostering the intrinsic or internal motivation to be and act as a person of character are role modeling and social bonding. This essentially means that we want children who feel emotionally bonded to at least one adult—but ideally more—in the school community as well as to the school community itself. The authors also provide examples of how to promote social bonding in the prior section about Relationships.
