Discussions and Democracy: Motivation, Growth, and the New Social Studies Classroom is written in a vernacular that will springboard and support teachers' understandings of implementing discussion-based approaches in their classrooms. Moreover, Discussions and Democracy drills down more deeply into student motivation and engagement. This is braided through a detailed and easy-to-understand explanation of both self-determination and self-efficacy. Understanding the principles of motivation in the teaching and learning process is essential to effective pedagogy. Discussions and Democracy is written by an author with nearly two decades of experience in the classroom - both as a teacher and as a teacher educator. This book can serve the needs of both new and experienced teachers interested in applying new methods of instruction to their already existing practice. The aim throughout is to bring important concepts and theories out of the "ivory tower" and onto the hard ground of real-world experience as a guide for today's social studies teachers.