Book Review: Living a Motivated Life
Living a Motivated Life: A Memoir and Activities. Raymond Wlodkowski. Brill | Sense, October 25, 2018, Hardcover and Trade Paperback, 206 pages.
Reviewed by Brian Johnston.
I've always believed that it's essential to be a lifelong learner. I enjoy hearing and reading about others who are pursuing knowledge and trying to improve themselves throughout their lives. That's why I was interested in reading Living a Motivated Life, the new book by Raymond J. Wlodkowski.
Wlodkowski has lived a rich life, and he tells his story with great passion. He divided the book into two parts. The first part, which covers most of the book, is a memoir focused on his career in education. Early on, he introduces the concept of intrinsic motivation, which is the concept of doing something as its own reward. This drove him to a career in education. The second part of the book offers activities for the reader to learn more about themselves and their pursuits of knowledge.
After describing his time growing up in Detroit, including time studying at Wayne State University, he details his experience as an elementary school teacher before working for the Milwaukee Public Schools during the tumultuous years of racial desegregation. Wlodkowski cared deeply about the issue, yet he's also honest about his shortcomings throughout the process. He went into each endeavor with an open mind and showed a willingness to learn from each experience.
Subsequently, Wlodkowski pursued a career in psychology, eventually becoming a professor in Seattle. It's a career that he has enjoyed, particularly because of the friendships that he made. I found it interesting that he didn’t talk much about his relationships with his students, though I can imagine that they enjoyed being a part of his classroom discussions.
The second part of the book offers more information about the concepts of intrinsic motivation, vital engagement, and flow. He poses interesting questions to readers that will allow them to reflect on their pursuit of knowledge and what motivates them.
Though Wlodkowski is an academic, I found this to be an easy book to read. He limits the use of technical jargon and communicates in a down-to-earth manner. Indeed, the book held my interest from start to finish. He cares about the reader and wants people to keep learning long after they finish their formal schooling.
If you're looking for an inspirational story about the pursuit of knowledge, and how to become a better adult learner, this would be a great book to read.