Challenging Students to Learn is an inspirational guide with many practical principles and strategies for leading and motivating students that are based on years of study and in-service training programs on leadership and motivation. These tactics are effective in public and private elementary and secondary schools and also universities for teacher preparation programs. They are practical and useful techniques that can be used by any educator and can help teachers motivate students to perform academically, improve their behavior in the classroom, and develop better attitudes toward education.

David R. Tomal describes 101 ways to motivate students, including tangible and intangible awards, instructional strategies, classroom management, and positive relationships. The use of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors, positive reinforcement, good classroom management, and effective instruction and curriculum, and fair discipline are just some of the topics covered. The advantages and disadvantages of many of these factors are discussed, and examples are given where these strategies have been applied in schools.