Book excerpt: A fresh approach to getting kids to work smarter and better, not just harder Award-winning teacher and best-selling author Debbie Silver addresses the relationship between student motivation and risking failure, calling failure a temporary “glitch” that provides valuable learning opportunities. She explains motivational theory, provides down-to-earth—often humorous—real life examples, and outlines concrete, applicable guidelines for helping students overcome setbacks and failure to foster lifelong success. Key topics include: How to help students become autonomous, enthusiastic, lifelong learners Why failure is not only an option, but a very concrete way of gaining ground The difference between a “pep talk” and specific, relevant feedback that enhances self-efficacy