As with all scientific endeavors, the study of motivation – understanding behavior’s direction and intensity, as well as the persistence of behavior and its cognitive and affective concomitants – faces the issue of theoretical and empirical generalizability: Knowing “what works” and under what range of conditions. The present volume confronts this issue directly by showcasing contemporary motivation theory and research that provide “snapshots” and those contributing to a “global picture.” In the process, a stellar international group of scholars represent different theoretical perspectives (e.g., achievement goal, self-determination, cognitive load, control value of achievement emotions, interest, self-efficacy) in diverse contexts (e.g., cooperative learning, help seeking, teacher education, technology-facilitated achievement) to highlight the dynamic interplay between more basic research and actual practice in classrooms, the workplace, and social environments. This volume provides stimulating reading for researchers and practitioners in fields related to education and those with an interest in motivation in organizations in general. It is also an excellent resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses.