This booklet synthesizes principles of motivation that have emerged from research examining the effect of motivational practices on school learning. It addresses achievement motivation, intrinsic motivation, goal orientation, and the effect of teacher practices on the promotion of motivational beliefs, motivation strategies, and willpower. It also recognizes the need for teacher practices that target socioemotional goals. The booklet focuses on two 11-year-old students, Stefano and Sandra, who attend school in different parts of the world. Stefano is the son of a car mechanic in rural southern Europe. Sandra is the daughter of a road worker in a big South American city. The booklet describes these children's thoughts, feelings, and actions, illustrating the various constructs described in the research sections. It addresses eight principles: motivational beliefs act as favorable contexts for learning; unfavorable motivational beliefs impede learning; favorable motivational beliefs facilitate learning; students who are mastery oriented learn more than students who are ego oriented; student expect value for effort; students need encouragement and feedback on how to develop motivational strategies and how to develop willpower; and students are more committed to learning if objectives are compatible with their goals. (Contains 20 references.) (SM)