Book excerpt: This book presents ground-breaking research on the ways the Arts fosters motivation and engagement in both academic and non-academic domains. It reports on mixed method, international research that investigated how the Arts make a difference in the lives of young people. Drawing on the findings of a longitudinal quantitative study led by the internationally renowned educational psychologist Andrew Martin, the book examines the impact of arts involvement in the academic outcomes of 643 students and reports on the in-depth qualitative research that investigates what constitutes best-practice in learning and teaching in the Arts. The book also examines drama, dance, music, visual arts and film classrooms to construct an understanding of quality pedagogy in these classrooms. With its evidence-based but highly accessible approach, this book will be directly and immediately relevant to those interested in the Arts as a force for change in schooling. How Arts Education Makes a Difference discusses: The Arts Education, Motivation, Engagement and Achievement Research Visual Arts, Drama and Music in Classrooms Technology-mediated Arts Engagement International Perspectives on Arts and Cultural Policies in Education This book is a timely collation of research and experiential findings which support the need to promote arts education in schools worldwide. It will be particularly useful for educationists, researchers in education and arts advocates.